Gezicht op het afbranden van Turkse schepen in de haven van Cesme op 7 jui 1770 1770 - 1799

This print, depicting the burning of Turkish ships at Cesme in 1770, was made with etching and engraving, and then carefully hand colored. The fine lines of the ships and waves were achieved through skilled metalworking. It is a reproductive print, meaning its purpose was to disseminate an image widely, rather than create a unique artwork. The labor is divided, with the original artist's vision mediated through the engraver's craft. Consider how the print medium itself connects to the event depicted. These ships, built with the labor of countless workers and vast material resources, are here reduced to a fragile image on paper. The print aestheticizes a scene of conflict and destruction, transforming war into a commodity for consumption. This artwork offers a window into the complex relationship between labor, materials, and the representation of power in the 18th century. It reminds us that even seemingly straightforward images are the result of extensive processes, with social and economic implications.