Kasteel op een berg 1681

Johann Eckhard Löffler created this intriguing print, "Castle on a Mountain," sometime in the mid-17th century, using the intaglio process of engraving. Engraving is a painstaking subtractive process. The artist uses a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, usually copper. The incised lines hold ink, and when the plate is pressed onto paper, the image is transferred. The result is a delicate, highly detailed image with a distinctive graphic quality. In this print, the sharp, precise lines of the engraving beautifully render the imposing castle perched atop the mountain. The surrounding landscape, trees, and even the ornate frame are all meticulously rendered, showcasing the artist's skill and the capabilities of the engraving technique. The image becomes a testament to the labour-intensive craft of printmaking, a process that allowed for the wide distribution of images and ideas during the early modern period, connecting artistry with accessibility.