Het spel om Schenckenschans, 1635-1636 1635 - 1636

This print, Het spel om Schenckenschans, was created around 1635 in the Netherlands by an anonymous artist, using etching. This printmaking technique involves coating a metal plate with wax, scratching an image into the wax, and then bathing the plate in acid, which bites away the exposed metal. Look closely, and you’ll see how the fineness of the etched lines creates a wealth of detail. The subject is a satire of political life, with various leaders gambling at a table. The etcher's lines allow them to depict the characters’ faces, and the fall of light on their garments. Etching allowed for relatively quick reproduction, making it an ideal medium for political commentary. The relatively low cost of production also made it more accessible, reflecting the rise of a merchant class with increasing political awareness. This image embodies a spirit of critical engagement with the ruling class – a democratization of visual culture made possible by printmaking.