Gezicht op de rivier de Fontanka te Sint-Petersburg gezien vanaf de noordzijde 1745 - 1775

Jean-François Daumont made this print of the Fontanka River in St. Petersburg sometime before 1775. It's made using a printmaking technique called etching, where lines are incised into a metal plate, inked, and then pressed onto paper. The technique lends itself well to architectural subjects like this one. Notice the incredible detail, which provides us with a clear sense of the city's layout. But it's not just about accuracy. The etched lines also give the image an airy, almost dreamlike quality. The light seems to shimmer on the water and the buildings seem to float in the hazy atmosphere. Daumont's skill in etching brings St. Petersburg to life. The process, while technical, allows for artistic expression, offering a unique view of this vibrant city. It's a great example of how a print can be more than just a reproduction, it can be a work of art in its own right.