Rijles voor een huis in een landschap c. 1756 - 1762

Jean Moyreau made this print on paper, titled 'Rijles voor een huis in een landschap', using engraving, etching, and burin techniques. The landscape is brought to life through the intricate layering of lines, each carefully etched or engraved into the metal plate. Look closely at how the burin – a tool with a sharp, angled point – is used to carve fine lines, creating depth and texture. This highly skilled labor speaks to the cultural significance attached to printmaking during Moyreau's time, a craft that was essential for disseminating knowledge and art. The way Moyreau has made the work speaks volumes. The linear structure, the subtle variations in tone, and the delicate balance between light and shadow all contribute to a sense of refinement, but also the labor that went into its production. Recognizing the artistry involved in printmaking challenges our tendency to separate it from other forms of artistic expression. The material and the making are integral to its meaning.