Vijf zeegodinnen voortgetrokken op een vaartuig 1608 - 1650

This is ‘Five sea goddesses dragged on a vessel’ made by Pierre Brebiette in the 17th century using etching. This printmaking technique involves using acid to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and used to create multiple impressions. The stark contrast of light and shadow shows the graphic potential of this process. Looking closely, we see that the figures and waves are built up from a dense network of lines. The direction, weight, and spacing of these marks convey the illusion of depth, movement, and texture. The nature of the etching process makes possible the mass production and distribution of images. This speaks to the broader socio-economic context of the time, as the rise of printmaking coincided with the growth of commerce, the spread of knowledge, and the emergence of a new culture of collecting. Considering the material and techniques used, we can appreciate the way in which the artwork embodies the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that defined the early modern era.