Grot van de nimf Egeria 1627 - 1655

This print, “Grot van de nimf Egeria,” was made by Nicolas Perelle in the 17th century, using etching – a process which renders line with impressive precision. But how do we interpret this landscape today? Consider that printmaking in this period was work, industrial work even. The etched line, though capable of great subtlety, was also replicable, useful for circulating imagery widely. Here, the artist renders a grotto, complete with figures and classical ruins. The crisp lines of the print lend an air of authority to the scene, as if documenting a real place. But the nymph Egeria is a figure of mythology, so perhaps Perelle is instead capturing an imagined space, a fantasy available for purchase. So, as you look, think not only of the scene represented, but also of the means of its production, and circulation in the 17th century. It’s a reminder that even seemingly straightforward images are deeply embedded in social and economic context.