Gezicht in de Oude Kerk te Amsterdam 1760 - 1783

Hermanus Petrus Schouten created this print of the Oude Kerk in Amsterdam at an unknown date, using etching and engraving techniques. These processes involve coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant material, drawing through it to expose the metal, and then immersing the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. The texture and depth achieved through etching and engraving gives a sense of the cavernous interior, from the towering columns to the wooden roof. Look closely and you can even see figures milling in the space, pushing wheelbarrows and minding children. The making of prints like these depended on skilled labor. They were made in multiples, and sold relatively inexpensively, making them a vital form of visual communication. This print invites us to consider how the materiality of the image connects to broader economic and social conditions. By understanding these aspects, we can move beyond traditional art historical interpretations and appreciate the multifaceted nature of this seemingly straightforward depiction.