Sleutel bij prent van de Slag bij Boutersem, 1831 1831 - 1832

This print, depicting the Battle of Boutersem, was made in 1831 by an anonymous artist, likely using etching or engraving techniques. These processes involve working on a metal plate, coating it with a waxy substance, and then drawing through the wax to expose the metal. Acid is then used to bite into the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. The material of the print – paper – is fundamental to its purpose as a disseminator of information. The relatively low cost of paper and printmaking allowed for the widespread distribution of images and ideas. This print serves as both a historical record and a piece of propaganda, shaping public perception of the battle. Consider the labor involved: the skilled hand of the artist meticulously etching the plate, the press operator producing multiple impressions. It’s a powerful reminder that even seemingly simple images are the result of complex social and technical processes, tied to both artistry and industry.