Slotspladsen i København under afbenyttelsen af de, af Branddirektør Fuchs opfundne sprøjter 1697

J.E. Wedel made this print of Copenhagen's Slotspladsen Square using engraving, a process demanding meticulous skill and labor. The dense lines, carefully etched into a metal plate, create a detailed depiction of the square and surrounding buildings. Notice how the varying line weights and densities produce light and shadow, giving depth to the scene. The process of engraving itself—the slow, deliberate cutting into the metal— mirrors the social context it portrays. It speaks to the industriousness of the city and its inhabitants. The print captures a moment of civic innovation with the demonstration of new fire-fighting equipment, reflecting Copenhagen's progressive spirit. Yet, the very act of engraving, a painstaking and time-intensive craft, contrasts with the efficiency promised by the new technology. This contrast reminds us of the changing landscape of labor and production in the 17th century, where traditional craftsmanship coexisted with emerging technological advancements. In paying attention to this material, making, and context we can understand the full meaning of the artwork.