Verbinding tussen de oceaan en de Middellandse Zee 1735

This print, titled 'Verbinding tussen de oceaan en de Middellandse Zee', was made by Pieter Yver in 1739. It's an engraving, which means the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, with a tool called a burin, and then printed. Look closely and you can see the characteristic crisp lines that define this technique. Engraving was a highly skilled and labor-intensive process, demanding precision and control. It was also the foremost method of mass producing images at this time. In this image, a man presents a map illustrating the connection between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, likely referring to the Canal du Midi, a major feat of engineering. The print itself, as a relatively inexpensive multiple, is a testament to the rise of information sharing and the increasing importance of trade and infrastructure during the Enlightenment. It's a reminder that even seemingly straightforward images are the result of complex social and economic forces. Appreciating the craft of printmaking allows us to understand better its role in shaping society.