Shed with Cottage, from The Small Landscapes 1559 - 1561

Johannes van Doetecum I made this print, Shed with Cottage, in the 16th century using the etching process. The incised lines define all the elements of the composition, from the naturalistic landscape to the human figures and domesticated animals. Van Doetecum was part of a family of printmakers who specialized in reproductive prints, meaning that they circulated the imagery of other artists on a mass scale. Etching was ideally suited to this purpose, as the matrix is relatively easy to prepare, and many impressions can be pulled from it. Yet in this work, he demonstrates original artistry. Look closely, and you'll notice that the etching lines aren't just descriptive; they also suggest the gritty materiality of the landscape itself. The thatched roof, the rough-hewn fences, the worn figures of the shepherds – all are evoked through the careful deployment of line. This reminds us that prints, often considered secondary to painting and sculpture, can also be powerful works of art in their own right.