Gezicht op Gdansk 1785

Hendrik Donnet made this print, ‘View of Gdansk,’ using the technique of etching. Etching involves covering a metal plate with a waxy ground, drawing through it to expose the metal, and then immersing the plate in acid, which bites away the exposed lines. The plate is then inked and printed, resulting in fine, precise lines. This process allowed for detailed and reproducible images, making it ideal for capturing the intricate details of the cityscape of Gdansk. The character of the etching process influences the image. The linear quality emphasizes the structured layout of the city, its architecture, and surrounding landscape. Each line represents a deliberate mark, reflecting the labor and skill involved in the printmaking process. This meticulous approach mirrors the order and industry of the city itself, suggesting a connection between the means of production and the subject it depicts. This print shows us how techniques traditionally associated with craft and industry are important for understanding historical depictions of urban life.