Gezicht op Forte de Fuentes, ca. 1702 1702 - 1703

This print of Forte de Fuentes was made around 1702, using engraving techniques. The image's stark contrast comes from the incised lines on a metal plate, where ink settles to create the composition. What makes this work compelling is not just the vista it presents, but also the way that the printmaking process echoes the monumental labor required to construct the depicted fortress itself. Consider the sheer effort involved in building such a structure – quarrying stone, transporting materials, and assembling it all according to a complex plan. Similarly, the engraver meticulously carves lines into the metal, mirroring the precision and planning required to build a military stronghold. In both cases, human ingenuity and toil are impressed upon the landscape. The print serves not only as a visual record but also as a testament to the power and ambition of its era. It blurs the distinction between craft and fine art, showing how both can reflect the broader social and political forces at play.