Frontaal aanzicht op twee traveeën met beeldhouwwerken in nissen op de grond 1787

This print offers a frontal view of two bays, featuring sculptures in niches. Though the artist is unknown, the work demonstrates the engraver's skill, using line and cross-hatching to create a sense of depth and texture. The printmaking process itself is fascinating. The artist would have used a sharp tool, a burin, to cut lines into a copper plate. Ink is then applied to the plate, and wiped away from the surface, remaining only in the incised lines. When paper is pressed against the plate, the ink transfers, creating the image we see. The crispness of the lines and the gradations of tone are a testament to the engraver's control. The architectural rendering displays classical elements like columns and arches. This print wasn't just about replicating an image; it was about showcasing the engraver’s ability to translate form and light into a new material language, one that democratized access to classical design.