Vissersplaats 1617

Friedrich Brentel created this print, Vissersplaats, using engraving, a process where lines are incised into a metal plate, which then holds ink and transfers the image to paper. The crisp quality of the lines and the contrast between the dark and light areas are characteristic of this meticulous, labor-intensive process. Each mark had to be carefully planned and executed, revealing the artist's command of the medium. Engraving was a key technique for disseminating images and information during the early modern period, playing a crucial role in the development of visual culture and influencing artistic practices across Europe. Notice how the scene depicts a busy fishing village, capturing the essence of daily life and labor. By highlighting the making of this print, we gain insight into the cultural and economic context of the time, challenging any perceived hierarchy between art and craft.