En by 18th century

This print, "En by", was made by an anonymous artist using etching, a traditional printmaking process. The image is produced by incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper. Notice the fineness of the lines, particularly in the sky and foliage; these are achieved through careful application of acid, which bites into the metal. Look closely and you will see the network of tiny hatch marks, which create areas of tone and shadow. Etching allows for the relatively easy production of multiple images, making art more accessible. Prints like this played a crucial role in circulating information and ideas. The labor is intensive – requiring skilled craftsmanship – but the result is a repeatable image, aligning with emerging modes of production. The architecture, meticulously rendered, gives us a glimpse into the social context of the time, reflecting the values and aspirations of the society that produced it. Thinking about the material and making of this print underscores its broader significance, challenging our sense of what constitutes fine art.