Gezicht op Blaricum 1757

Hendrik Spilman made this print of Blaricum using etching and engraving, techniques that belong to a much wider world of image production. Look closely and you'll see how the etched lines create subtle tones and textures, while the engraved lines add sharp details, especially to the buildings. The social significance here comes from the way Spilman documented the Dutch landscape and its settlements, making them accessible to a broader audience through prints. Consider the amount of work involved in producing such a print: from preparing the metal plate to the careful application of acid, and the final printing process. The lines, though small, speak to the meticulous labor that would have been needed to make this image. Spilman’s print challenges the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, bringing a critical view on the everyday landscape and life of the 18th century Netherlands.