Gezicht op het Hofwerk bij Breukelen 1719

This print, "Gezicht op het Hofwerk bij Breukelen," was made by Daniël Stopendaal in the early 18th century, using etching and engraving techniques. These processes involve coating a metal plate with a waxy ground, drawing through it with a needle, and then immersing the plate in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The resulting incised lines hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under pressure. The fineness of the lines and the subtle gradations of tone suggest a highly skilled hand, familiar with the manipulation of materials. The print depicts an idyllic scene of leisure and affluence, with figures boating and fishing on a river, set against the backdrop of an elegant estate. Consider the labor involved in creating such an image – the physical effort of preparing the plate, the precision required in the drawing and etching, and the knowledge of materials necessary to achieve the desired effect. Ultimately, this print, with its depiction of leisure, is itself the product of skilled labor.