Seconde vue de Stubbe-Lian 1788 - 1792

This print, "Seconde vue de Stubbe-Lian", was made by Georg Haas around the turn of the 19th century, utilizing etching and possibly engraving techniques, finished with delicate hand coloring. The magic of printmaking lies in its capacity for reproduction. Here, Haas has captured a picturesque scene, likely intended for a middle-class audience eager to consume romantic views of nature. Look closely, and you'll notice the texture of the paper itself, which would have been carefully selected to take the ink. Consider the labor involved: the initial drawing, the meticulous carving of the plate, the application of ink, and the final hand-coloring, each step requiring specialized skill. The social context is also important. Prints like this were commodities, circulated in a growing market for art, feeding into a sense of national identity and taste. They democratized image-making, making it accessible to a wider audience than original paintings could ever reach. This artwork then is more than just a pretty picture; it's a window into the world of early mass media and the skilled hands that made it possible.