Prospekt af København set fra Dyrehaven ved Fortunen 1781

This print, "Prospekt af København set fra Dyrehaven ved Fortunen" was made by Frederik Ludvig Bradt, who lived from 1747 to 1829. This is an etching, a graphic medium that allows for the reproduction of images, and was a popular way of circulating views like this one of Copenhagen. The etched line has a particular quality – slightly soft, and capable of capturing fine detail. This is achieved by coating a metal plate with wax, drawing through it, and then bathing the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed metal, creating the lines that will hold ink. Etchings like this one speak volumes about the era's social fabric, class, labor, and consumption. It portrays an idyllic landscape, but it was also a commercial product, designed for a specific market. The skilled labor of the artist, the materials used, and the intention to portray an elite vision of the city all combine to tell us something about the time it was made. By understanding the materials and processes, we can appreciate the cultural and historical significance of works like this, which blurs the boundaries between art, craft, and commerce.