Vue de la ville de Christiania 1788 - 1792

This print showing a view of Christiania, now Oslo, was made by Georg Haas. It’s made using a printmaking technique called etching, which involves using acid to cut lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Etchings like this were often made in multiples, and sold to a growing middle class who wanted views of cities and landscapes to decorate their homes. It’s easy to overlook the labor involved in making a print like this, but think about the skilled work of the etcher, who had to carefully translate the scene onto the metal plate. Consider also the labor of the people shown in the print, the workers and carters who keep the city running. Prints such as this are fascinating not only as artworks, but also as documents of a particular moment in time, reflecting the economic and social forces at play in the city. Recognizing the labour and industrial processes involved helps us move beyond the traditional view of art, to appreciate the social and cultural significance of works like this.