Zilverspar c. 1820 - 1833

J. Bernard’s Zilverspar is a print on paper that presents us with an image of a fir tree. The making of such a print involves a suite of skilled processes. The artist would have used a technique like etching or engraving to create a design on a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Look closely and you'll see the fine lines that define the tree's form, a testament to the artist’s mastery of their tools. In the context of its time, this print exists within a culture of scientific documentation, of exploration and taxonomy. But it also reflects an era of expanding industry, when trees were increasingly seen as a resource, a raw material for construction and fuel. The print is an aesthetic object, but also a document of natural history, and a reflection of our evolving relationship with the environment. Ultimately, understanding this print means considering not just its visual qualities, but also the labor, materials, and cultural context that shaped its creation.