Bordeel 1646 - 1658

This print, entitled "Bordeel," was made by Jeremias Falck in the 17th century. It’s an etching, a process involving covering a metal plate with wax, scratching a design into it, and then using acid to bite away the exposed metal. Etching like this was a commercial printing method, capable of producing many copies. This print is all about abundance. A rowdy group is crowded into a single room, where wine flows freely and a pie is presented. The artist skillfully used line work to create a range of textures and tones, from the fine details of the figures' clothing to the overall raucous atmosphere. Falck was a skilled printmaker, part of a tradition that bridged the gap between artistry and industry. The making of this image – and many like it – relied on a combination of technical skill, artistic vision, and a market hungry for images. It's a reminder that even in the world of fine art, the processes of production and consumption are always at play.