Gezicht op het Academiegebouw te Leiden, 1726 1726

This print, made in 1726 by an anonymous artist, depicts the Academiegebouw in Leiden. Its crisp lines are the product of engraving, a printmaking technique prized for its precision and capacity to capture fine detail. Engraving is an intaglio process. This means the image is incised into a metal plate, likely copper in this case, using a tool called a burin. The artist would have painstakingly cut lines into the plate, varying the pressure to create different depths and thicknesses. Ink is then forced into these lines, and the surface of the plate is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the ink and creating the print. The engraver's skill is evident in the depiction of architectural details. The regular marks suggest a steady hand, reflecting the engraver’s labor. More than just a picture, this print embodies a specific history of production, skill, and the cultural value placed on meticulous craftsmanship. The artwork challenges our notions of what is considered ‘fine art’ versus craft.