Doorsnee en plattegrond van een herenhuis 1774

This print of a stately home, by an anonymous artist, was made using the process of engraving. Notice how this method lends itself to precision, which helps to define the architect's vision. The lines create a sense of volume, texture, and light, mimicking the appearance of the building's materials. The process of engraving itself would have involved careful planning and skilled execution. The engraver would have needed to understand architectural drawing, and the ways of making and building the house, to translate a three-dimensional structure into a two-dimensional image. We can appreciate the work involved, and also consider the social context in which it was made. This print offers insight into the lives of the wealthy, and also reflects the labor and skill involved in its production. It blurs the line between documentation and artistry.