Vierkante waterput met beslagwerk c. 1574

This print was made by Johannes or Lucas van Doetechum, but we don't know exactly when. This is an engraving, where the image is incised into a metal plate, ink is applied, and then the surface is wiped clean, leaving ink only in the recesses. The plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Look closely, and you’ll see how the lines create different tonal effects, from the bold shadows under the well, to the feathery sky. This allowed the artist to create a highly detailed depiction of a square water well. This isn't just a straightforward representation, though. The artist has embellished the well with decorative ironwork, transforming a mundane object into a symbol of civic pride and sophistication. Engraving was a highly skilled craft, demanding precision and control. The technique allowed for the mass production of images, making art accessible to a wider audience, driving consumerism and commerce in the early modern period. It's a reminder that even seemingly simple images are the product of skilled labor and complex social forces.