Riviergezicht met stadsmuren 1742 - 1784

Hendrik Spilman made this riverscape with city walls using engraving, a printmaking process that requires considerable labor. The image begins with a polished metal plate, usually copper. Using a tool called a burin, the artist carves lines directly into the plate's surface. These incised lines hold the ink. The plate is then carefully inked, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the grooves. Finally, dampened paper is pressed against the plate with considerable force, transferring the ink and creating the print. Look closely, and you'll see the characteristic crisp lines and delicate details achieved through this method. The process allows for the creation of multiple identical prints, making art more accessible to a wider audience and contributing to the growth of a visual culture tied to commerce and the burgeoning middle class. Spilman's skill as an engraver is evident in the precise rendering of architectural details and the subtle gradations of tone, demonstrating a mastery of craft that elevates this print beyond mere reproduction.