Gebruik van het meetlint geïllustreerd 1690

This print, “Gebruik van het meetlint geïllustreerd,” or “Use of the measuring tape illustrated,” was made by Sébastien Leclerc I, probably in the late 17th or early 18th century. It’s an etching, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate, inked, and then pressed onto paper. The etching medium, with its fine lines, suits the subject well. Leclerc was demonstrating the principles of perspective – essential knowledge for architects, engineers, and military men. The three scenes, stacked vertically, depict fortifications and cityscapes, overlaid with geometric constructions. The print is an instructional aid, intended to circulate among a professional class. Its method of production aligns with its purpose: etching allowed for relatively quick and inexpensive reproduction, facilitating the spread of technical know-how. Though not as glamorous as painting or sculpture, prints like these played a vital role in the early modern world, enabling the transfer of knowledge and shaping the built environment.