Gezicht op Groenevecht in Breukelen 1719

Daniël Stopendaal made this print of Groenevecht in Breukelen, using the intaglio process of etching. This involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant substance, then scratching away lines to expose the metal underneath. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The subtle gradations in the image rely entirely on the fineness of the etched lines, and the controlled application of acid. Stopendaal must have been well-practiced in the art to achieve the effect of atmospheric perspective. We know that the scene depicts wealthy landowners by the house. In contrast, the men in the foreground seem to be working the land. In this way, the print hints at the social inequalities that were part and parcel of Dutch society at the time. Ultimately, prints like these played a crucial role in the development of Dutch visual culture. They testify to the way that artistry and industry were intertwined.