Slag bij Hasselt, 1831 1831

Curator: This print, "Slag bij Hasselt, 1831," created in 1831 by Johannes Steyn, depicts a historical battle. As an engraving, it suggests a reproducibility that shifts our focus away from unique artistic genius. Editor: It's quite detailed for an engraving. I notice how the landscape is used to add depth. What can you tell me about the meaning behind this particular piece? Curator: The means of producing these images matters greatly. Engravings, prints – they circulated widely. Consider how this image might have functioned as propaganda. The medium allowed for mass consumption and dissemination of a particular narrative of the Battle of Hasselt. Editor: So you are less focused on artistic interpretation, and more on how the art object was produced, shared, and its potential impact? Curator: Precisely! How did the accessibility of print media contribute to the shaping of public opinion around this battle? Consider also the labor involved in the production of this image. An artisan, often overlooked, meticulously transferring the design onto the plate. That labor is part of the story, the historical reality embodied in the artwork. It isn't just about a battle, but the socio-economic processes through which that battle was represented and consumed. What effect do you imagine this image had on consumers? Editor: I guess it allowed the general public to feel as if they were closer to the action, boosting support for the national narrative. That said, what is lost when turning historical events into consumer products? Curator: An excellent point. There is a simplification of events, as it were, in order to serve a wider audience; what do you believe about this trade-off? Editor: The wide dissemination of images definitely affected how battles were seen at the time. I'll think about how the means of production here ultimately impact how we understand historical events, thank you.