Gezicht op Rotterdam (eerste deel) after 1666

Joost van Geel created this print of Rotterdam in the mid-17th century, using the intaglio technique of engraving. This involved meticulously incising lines into a copper plate with a tool called a burin. The crisp precision of the engraved lines allows for incredible detail, evident in the depiction of the city's architecture and bustling harbor. But notice how the process also lends itself to a certain formality. The scene is highly structured, with the allegorical figures in the foreground establishing a sense of civic pride. Engraving demands a high degree of skill and planning; each line must be carefully considered. The choice of engraving as a medium speaks to the social context of the time. Prints like these were relatively affordable, making them accessible to a wider audience than paintings. They served as both records and celebrations of urban life, reflecting Rotterdam’s growing economic power. Ultimately, appreciating the work involved and understanding the print's purpose in disseminating imagery allows us to move beyond simply admiring the view, to understanding the values that the artwork embodies.