Gezicht op de Nieuwe Kerk te Amsterdam c. 1695 - 1700

This print, depicting the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam, was made by an anonymous artist using engraving, a meticulous process involving cutting lines into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. The work's appearance hinges on the artist's skill in manipulating line and tone, which has imbued the image with a distinct social and cultural significance, reflecting the prosperity and urbanity of Amsterdam. Engraving, traditionally associated with printmaking and reproduction, highlights the dissemination of images within a burgeoning capitalist society. The artist's labor-intensive process speaks to the commercial demands for visual representations of architecture and city life. By understanding the materials, the making, and the historical context, we can see beyond the image itself. We begin to understand its role in reflecting, and shaping, Amsterdam’s cultural identity. The print challenges the distinction between fine art and craft, blurring the lines of how we see and value images in society.