Drie zeilschepen op zee 1772

John Greenwood made this print of three sailing ships at sea using etching and engraving, sometime in the late 18th century. These techniques are all about precise control; with an etching, the artist draws an image on a metal plate covered with wax, then immerses it in acid. The acid bites away the exposed lines, leaving an image that can then be inked and printed. Engraving is even more meticulous, as the artist directly incises the lines into the metal. Notice the remarkable level of detail Greenwood achieved. He would have needed considerable skill in the management of the acid and tools. The image is dominated by line, creating texture and tone, and conveying a sense of drama and tension. The subject matter is significant too. Maritime transport was crucial to global trade at the time. The ships connect to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. By focusing on the processes and materials used, we can more fully appreciate the skill involved, and this print’s broader cultural significance.