Franse spotprent op de kroning van Willem III, 1689 1689

This print, a French lampoon of William III's coronation, was made in 1689 by an anonymous artist. It's an engraving, meaning the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, and then printed. The fine lines and details, all achieved through careful handwork, give a sense of the labour involved. But this isn't just about skilled craftsmanship; it’s about political commentary. Engravings like these were a form of mass media in their time, a way to spread ideas and opinions. The choice of engraving as a medium is significant. It allowed for the wide dissemination of this satirical image, turning William's coronation into a subject of public debate and ridicule. The print challenges the traditional association of printmaking with neutral information. It reminds us that even the most seemingly objective media can be a tool for persuasion and, in this case, political attack.