Civilis en Cerialis onderhandelen op de afgebroken brug, 69-70 1768 - 1770

This print, made by an anonymous artist, depicts Civilis and Cerialis negotiating on a broken bridge in 69-70 AD. The printmaking process itself, likely engraving or etching, involved meticulous labor to translate a historical event into a reproducible image. The stark contrast between light and shadow, achieved through careful manipulation of lines, brings drama to the scene, and the bridge symbolizes the fractured state of negotiations, highlighting the tension and risk inherent in diplomacy. The use of printmaking allowed for wide dissemination of this image, shaping public perception of historical events. The very act of creating this print, with its implied audience, underscores the political dimensions of art production, while the level of detail suggests the hand of a skilled artisan, laboring to create an object that is both informative and aesthetically compelling. By understanding the printmaking process and its social context, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay between art, politics, and labor.