Cascade under a Stone Bridgec. 1616

The image shows a pastoral scene in black and white with fine line work. A small bridge with a circular archway crosses a stream. A dirt path winds through the landscape flanked by grass and bushes. A rocky cliff ascends on the left with a tower-like structure partially obscured by vegetation. The horizon features a cloudy sky, with swirling lines indicating motion. In the distance, a tall, thin structure, possibly a spire or chimney, stands amid faint hills and trees. The scene conveys a serene atmosphere through hatching and cross-hatching techniques.

Description from the National Gallery of Art.

Jan van de Velde II made this in about 1616, aged 23. It is now at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.

How it was made

Etching

The artist draws with a needle through a waxy coating on a copper plate, and acid bites the exposed lines. The plate is then inked, wiped and printed under pressure, so the line keeps the freedom of drawing.

Laid paper

Handmade on a mould of close-set wires, which leave fine parallel lines you can see when the sheet is held to the light.