Gezicht op de gracht en de Lutherse kerk in Rotterdam 1830 - 1863

Hendrik Altmann created this print of the Lutheran Church in Rotterdam using a technique called etching. The image emerges from a prepared metal plate – likely copper – which has been coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist would have carefully scratched away the coating, exposing the metal beneath. The plate was then submerged in acid, which bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The quality of the printed line is influenced by the etchant, the duration of the acid bath, and the pressure applied during printing. Look closely, and you can see the subtle variations in line weight and texture. The entire process required careful attention to detail and considerable skill. Beyond the Lutheran Church, the print captures a moment in the life of a busy port city. Consider how the artist uses the etcher's skill to portray the social context of Rotterdam. The image invites us to appreciate the craftsmanship embedded in printmaking while prompting us to think about the relationship between art, labor, and urban life.