Aanslag op het rijtuig van de gedeputeerden van Dordrecht, 1786 1786

Reinier Vinkeles made this engraving depicting an attack in Dordrecht in 1786, using a technique that was very much of its time. Engraving involves cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then wiping it clean so that only the ink remains in the incisions. This plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the image. What’s remarkable about the engraving process is its capacity for precise detail. Look closely, and you’ll see the faces of the rioters, the architectural nuances of the buildings, and the texture of the horses' manes, all rendered with remarkable clarity. Yet, the engraving is more than just a feat of technical skill. It is a document of social and political unrest, capturing a moment of conflict between the people of Dordrecht and their deputies. The contrast between the fine craftsmanship of the engraving and the raw violence of the scene is striking. It reminds us that even the most refined art forms are always embedded in broader social contexts.