Gezicht op de abdij Leeuwenhorst, 1560 1727 - 1733

Abraham Rademaker made this print of the Abdij Leeuwenhorst in 1560, using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production. The image is created by incising lines into a metal plate, inking the plate, and then pressing it onto paper. The quality of line is determined by the etcher’s control, and also the bite of the acid, its strength, and the duration of immersion. These material variables are vital to the print's overall appearance, influencing the density of the lines and the tonal range of the image. This view of the abbey, with its adjacent windmill, presents a vision of productivity and local industry. The printmaking process itself mirrors this, as it is inherently about the generation of multiple identical images. Rademaker's choice of etching suggests an interest in engaging with a wider audience, making art accessible beyond elite circles.