Antwerp 1625 - 1677

Wenceslaus Hollar created this print entitled, "Antwerp," using etching. The image is dominated by intricate lines and textures, creating a detailed depiction of a waterside scene. Look at the formal structure: Hollar employs line to map out not only the architectural elements, such as the bridge and buildings, but also the natural forms like trees and water. Note how the composition is carefully balanced, with the light reflecting on the water and the foliage framing the central view. Hollar uses hatching and cross-hatching to define forms, to create tonal variations and to create depth, which draws the eye into the scene. He also destabilizes the traditional landscape by focusing on the everyday life within the town. The figures on the path aren't heroic or allegorical, but rather are ordinary people, emphasizing a shift towards a focus on the human experience. The power of this print lies in its ability to function as both a topographical record and as a commentary on urban life. The formal elements work in harmony to not only represent Antwerp but also reflect the values and interests of its inhabitants.