View of a Garden 

This is Nicolas de Son's 'View of a Garden', created sometime between 1550 and 1680. It's an etching, a printmaking process that relies on acid to bite into a metal plate. The image is created by drawing through a wax coating, then submerging the plate in acid. The longer it’s in the acid, the deeper and darker those lines will be when printed. Look at the density of line in the figures, compared to the open sky – a consequence of greater time spent with the etching tool. Of course, it’s important to remember that this technique requires a skilled hand, and knowledge of chemical processes. The etching medium was especially favored for topographical views such as this, as it allowed the easy reproduction of images for a growing market of collectors. While we might assume the drawing was made from direct observation, it is just as likely based on memory or other sources. This reminds us that every image is the result of many choices and much labour, even those that seem effortless. By understanding this, we can better appreciate the complex relationship between art, skill, and commerce.