Aankomst van de graaf van Leicester te Vlissingen, 1585 1729 - 1766

Simon Fokke made this print depicting the Arrival of the Count of Leicester at Vlissingen in 1585. The process of printmaking, specifically etching, is central to understanding this work. The stark contrast and fine detail are achieved by drawing through a waxy ground on a metal plate, which is then exposed to acid. The acid bites into the metal where the ground has been removed, creating lines that hold ink. This plate is then used to transfer the image onto paper. What’s interesting here is the translation of a grand historical event into a reproducible image, made possible by skilled labor. This print wasn't just a record; it was a medium for disseminating information and shaping public perception. The labor intensive process of etching contrasts with its potential for mass production, embodying tensions between craft and industry. By focusing on the material and processes involved, we appreciate how this print participates in broader social and political contexts, challenging any strict separation between art and craft.