Beleg van 's-Hertogenbosch door Frederik Hendrik, 1629 1629 - 1631

This print, made by Frans Hogenberg, depicts the Siege of 's-Hertogenbosch in 1629. It’s an engraving, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate, probably copper, and then printed onto paper. Consider the labor involved. The meticulous carving requires skilled hands and focused concentration. Each line represents a deliberate act, building up the image bit by bit. The medium itself—metal—speaks to an age of industry and warfare, where resources were poured into weaponry and fortifications. Look closely, and you'll notice the level of detail. Each building, river, and military position has been carefully rendered. This wasn't just about recording a historical event, but also about communicating power. Prints like this were tools of propaganda, shaping public opinion and celebrating military victories. So while it may seem like a simple image on paper, it's actually a complex object embedded in a world of politics, labor, and the technologies of its time.