Zeeslag bij Terheide tussen de Staatse vloot onder Tromp en de Engelse vloot onder Monck, 1653 1654 - 1656

This engraving, dating to 1653, depicts a naval battle between the Dutch and English fleets, rendered in ink on paper. Though the artist is anonymous, the print's creation speaks volumes about the period's printmaking practices. Consider the labor involved. The engraver meticulously etched lines into a metal plate, a skilled process demanding precision. Look closely, and you will notice the detailed rendering of ships, waves, and even the billowing smoke of cannon fire. These textures influence the appearance, conveying the intensity of the battle. Beyond aesthetics, this print served a purpose. It was a tool for disseminating information. The numbered ships and accompanying key transform the scene into a diagram, offering viewers a clear understanding of the battle's unfolding. The value of this print lies in its capacity to bridge art, craft, and history. It challenges the notion that fine art exists in a vacuum, disconnected from labor, commerce, and politics.