Paarden en ezels aan de oever van een rivier bij een stad 1724 - 1799

Thomas Major created this print, "Horses and donkeys on the bank of a river by a city," using etching and engraving. The texture and depth we see results from the labor-intensive process of incising lines into a metal plate, in this case copper, applying ink, and then pressing it onto paper. The fineness of the lines, especially in the rendering of the clouds and distant architecture, demonstrates Major's skill. But beyond his artistic talent, this print also speaks to the social context of its creation. Printmaking in the 18th century was closely tied to the rise of a new kind of visual culture where images could be widely disseminated. It's fascinating to see how this blend of craft skill and industry allowed artists like Major to reach a broader audience and engage with contemporary society. It challenges us to consider the relationship between labor, art, and commerce.