Gezicht op het Buitenhof en de Vijverberg c. 1700

This small print, "Gezicht op het Buitenhof en de Vijverberg," was made around the turn of the 18th century by Jan van Call. He created the image by etching a metal plate. Look closely, and you can see how the artist used line to create tone, and to describe the scene. Hatching and cross-hatching - tiny parallel lines - give depth to the trees and buildings. This was a highly skilled process, demanding great control of both hand and eye, reflecting a long apprenticeship. But the image itself would have been made relatively quickly. Prints like this circulated widely in the Dutch Republic, helping to create a shared visual culture. Consider the labor involved, not only in the making of the print, but also in its distribution and consumption. The material conditions of its production had a significant impact on its appearance, allowing it to be reproduced and disseminated widely, reaching a broad audience. This challenges our traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.