The Epiphany of the New Antichrist (L'Epiphane du Nouveau Antichrist) 1689

"The Epiphany of the New Antichrist," made in 1689 by Romeyn de Hooghe, is an etching on paper, a process involving incising lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and pressing it onto paper. Etching allowed for the relatively quick production of images, making it perfect for disseminating political commentary. Look closely, and you can see the incredible amount of detail that De Hooghe was able to achieve with this method. Notice the textures of the fabrics, the expressions on the faces, and the intricate architectural details. All of these are rendered through a network of finely etched lines. The choice of printmaking as a medium is significant, aligning with the rise of print culture and its power to shape public opinion, especially during times of political and religious conflict. The very act of creating and distributing such prints was a form of labor, contributing to a broader economy of image-making that was gaining momentum in the 17th century. In understanding this print, consider not just the image it conveys, but also the means of its making and its place within a rapidly changing world of media and mass communication.