Verovering van Mechelen, 1580 c. 1581 - 1585

Frans Hogenberg’s ‘Verovering van Mechelen, 1580’ is an engraving, a printmaking process where lines are cut into a metal plate, and then inked to create an image. Here, the dense lines define the contours of buildings and figures, creating a detailed, bird's-eye view of the siege. The process, requiring meticulous skill, allowed for the mass production of images, playing a vital role in disseminating information and shaping public opinion during times of conflict. The image is not just a depiction of war, but also a product of early capitalist modes of production. Printmaking enabled the wide distribution of visual narratives, influencing political and social discourse, and shaping the perception of historical events. This contrasts starkly with unique, hand-made artworks. Consider how the material and the process both mediate our understanding of this historical event, blurring the lines between art, craft, and mass communication.