Gezicht op de Raampoort in Amsterdam 1663

This print of the Raampoort in Amsterdam was made anonymously using an engraving technique. Engraving involves using a tool called a burin to cut lines directly into a metal plate, usually copper. The incised lines hold ink, and when the plate is pressed onto paper, the image is transferred. Look closely, and you'll notice the crisp, precise lines that define the buildings, boats, and even the sky. The process itself is labor-intensive, requiring immense skill and control. This print isn't just a picture of Amsterdam; it's a record of the engraver's time, skill, and the physical act of mark-making. It is also a record of the commercial activity in Amsterdam during that time, which may be why it was created. When we consider the material and the making, we start to understand the true value and significance of this seemingly simple print, moving beyond just the image it depicts.