De aanlegsteiger 1617 - 1660

Matthieu van Plattenberg created this etching, "De aanlegsteiger," using a metal plate, likely copper, and acid to incise lines into its surface. The etching technique allowed van Plattenberg to achieve fine, detailed lines and textures, capturing the bustling activity of a harbor scene. The linear quality of the etching enhances the sense of industry, from the figures laboring on the dock to the distant ships hinting at trade and commerce. Look at the repetitive, almost mechanical quality of the lines that define the waves, the buildings, and the figures. The material quality of the print, with its reproducible nature, mirrors the burgeoning capitalism of the 17th century. It speaks to the growing market for art and the increasing commodification of labor. By focusing on the printmaking process and the social context of its creation, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistic skill involved and the broader economic forces at play.