Gezicht op Nice, ca. 1693-1695 1693 - 1695

This print, titled "View of Nice," was made around 1693-1695 by an anonymous artist. It's a detailed etching, a process involving drawing with needles into a wax-covered metal plate, which is then bathed in acid to bite the lines before printing. The print's aesthetic relies on the incisive quality of the etched line. This was a reproductive medium, designed for relatively quick and easy dissemination of imagery, yet it required the skilled labor of a draughtsman and printer. This particular print gives us insight into 17th-century Nice: its architecture, fortifications, and surrounding landscape. The level of detail suggests a direct survey of the site, yet it’s filtered through the etcher's hand. The work involved in creating such a view extends beyond mere observation, it embodies the social and economic context of its time. It reminds us that even seemingly straightforward depictions are the products of specific skills, processes and perspectives. By considering these factors, we gain a deeper understanding of the print's historical and cultural significance.