Allegorie met personificaties van Trouw, Onschuld en Onnozelheid 1777

This allegorical print was made by Reinier Vinkeles, likely in the late 18th century, using the technique of etching. Vinkeles carefully manipulated metal plates with acid to create the delicate lines you see here. The image shows a cluster of figures in classical garb. This wasn't just a question of aesthetics. In an era defined by emerging capitalism, artists looked to classical imagery to ennoble their work, imbuing it with historical weight. The laborious etching process itself became a mark of value. Note how the careful, repetitive action of etching mirrors the virtues of labor being celebrated. Each line meticulously carved into the metal contributes to the overall image, just as each worker contributes to society. The print's small size also suggests its role in a burgeoning market for images, making art accessible to a wider audience, and embedding it further into the social fabric. So, consider how materials, making, and context converge in this print, challenging those traditional distinctions between craft and fine art.