Triomfpoort opgericht in de Schrijnwerkersstraat, 1685 1685

Gaspar Bouttats created this print in 1685, depicting an elaborate triumphal arch, likely etched on a copper plate. The material itself, copper, is critical to understanding the image. Its smooth, receptive surface allows for incredibly fine lines, creating a wealth of detail in the depiction of architectural ornament and figural sculpture. The etching process, using acid to bite into the metal, demands control and precision, qualities that resonate with the scene itself. This arch was erected by the Augustinian friars in the Schrijnwerkersstraat, or "street of the joiners". This is significant because it suggests a collaboration between religious authorities and local artisans, a potent mix of spiritual and material capital. The print then, becomes a record of social relations, and the celebration of craft within a specific urban context. By appreciating the labor involved in both the arch's construction and its rendering in print, we can move beyond traditional art historical categories, and recognize the interconnectedness of art, craft, and society.