Gezicht op de huizen aan het Rapenburg te Leiden, van de Nieuwsteeg tot de Langebrug, voorafgaand aan de ramp van Leiden, 1807 1807

Daniël Vrijdag made this image of houses on the Rapenburg in Leiden in 1807 using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized images like this one. Etching involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, and then using a sharp needle to scratch away the coating, exposing the metal. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The depth of the lines determines how much ink they hold and, therefore, the darkness of the printed line. Consider the labor-intensive process involved in creating this print. The artist had to possess skills in metallurgy, chemistry, and drawing. The quality of the print also depended on the press operator’s skill in inking and printing the plate. Vrijdag’s image provides a glimpse into the urban landscape of Leiden before a catastrophic explosion later that year. The print serves as a historical document, recording the architectural details and social context of the time. It also reminds us of the complex interplay of labor, skill, and materials involved in the creation of printed images, challenging our perception of them as mere reproductions.