Gezicht op Gênes 1750 - 1814

This print, "Gezicht op Gênes," was made by an artist known only as Monogrammist J, using the technique of etching. The image is built up from thousands of tiny, hand-engraved lines into a copper plate, then printed onto paper. The appeal of etching resided in its comparative ease; the artist could sketch freely into the wax ground, before the plate was bathed in acid, eating away the exposed lines. This image shows a bustling port scene in Genoa, with people, animals, and ships rendered in intricate detail. Consider the labor involved, both in the scene depicted and in the print's production. The ships sailing into port represent global trade networks reliant on labor, while the etching itself demands skilled handwork and precise execution. Looking at this print, we must appreciate the artistry and labor interwoven with the social and economic realities of the time. Recognizing the value of craft and the stories it tells enriches our understanding of art history.