Gezicht op Bonn 1825 - 1871

Herman Emden’s ‘Gezicht op Bonn’ is a cityscape rendered with remarkable detail through the intaglio printmaking technique of steel engraving. This process involves incising a design onto a polished steel plate, a notoriously difficult and laborious task, requiring specialized tools and considerable skill to achieve the subtle gradations of tone seen here. Steel engraving emerged in the 19th century as a method for mass-producing images, particularly for book illustrations. It allowed for finer lines and larger editions compared to copper engraving, contributing to the democratization of imagery during the industrial revolution. Emden’s choice of this medium thus speaks to a desire for wider dissemination of his artistic vision. The act of engraving, with its repetitive gestures, echoes the mechanization of labor prevalent in this era. Yet, the skill involved also elevates it beyond mere production, blurring the lines between craft and industry. Ultimately, this print invites us to consider how artistic expression intersects with technology and society, challenging conventional notions of art.