Inname van Frankfurt an der Oder door de Zweden, 1631 1631 - 1633

This print, made by Frans Hogenberg, shows the Swedish siege of Frankfurt an der Oder in 1631. The image is made with engraving, a printmaking technique that demands intense labor and meticulous skill. The linear quality of the print is a direct result of the engraver's work, pushing a tool called a burin through a copper plate. The lines incised in the plate hold ink, which is then transferred to paper. The clarity of the image allowed for the wide distribution of news and propaganda, visualizing military campaigns and solidifying public opinion. This particular print offers a bird’s-eye view of the battle, an attempt to map and control the chaotic scene of war. The artist was reliant on skilled labor, specialized tools, and a network of distributors to create and disseminate this image. It's a powerful reminder that even seemingly simple prints are the product of complex social and economic systems.