Plattegrond van Genua 1701 - 1733

Abraham Allard made this map of Genoa sometime around the turn of the 18th century. It’s an engraving, which means that an image was carefully incised into a metal plate, likely copper. This was then inked and printed onto paper. Engraving was a highly skilled trade, sitting between craft and industrial production. Think of the labor involved: first, making the tools, then patiently cutting away at the metal, and finally the repetitive work of printing. This wasn't simply a way of making an image; it was also a way of making a living. Notice the fine, precise lines used to depict the city's layout, the fortifications, and the surrounding landscape. The stark contrast between the ink and paper gives the image a crisp, almost technical feel. Yet the very act of engraving, with its inherent limitations and reliance on human skill, adds a layer of artistry. Next time you encounter an engraving, remember that its visual appeal is inseparable from the process that brought it into being. It's a testament to the value of skilled labor, and a window into the economic structures of the past.