The Battle of Mühlberg with the army of Charles V crossing the Elbe River 1551

Enea Vico created this engraving, *The Battle of Mühlberg*, sometime in the mid-16th century. Vico used a metal plate, likely copper, to create this intricate design. Lines were incised into the plate's surface with a tool called a burin, and then the plate was inked and pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Engraving, like other printmaking techniques, was an essential tool for disseminating information and propaganda at this time. The Battle of Mühlberg was a decisive victory for Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, and this print would have served to amplify his power and prestige. The very act of making an image repeatable speaks to the needs of the rising capitalist system. Look closely and you'll see the sheer amount of labor it took to produce this. The fine lines create a sense of depth and detail, and the composition is complex and dynamic. Consider the skill and time required to create such a detailed image on a metal plate, and the social context in which this labor was valued. This print transcends mere reproduction; it's a testament to the power of skilled craftsmanship and the social forces that shaped its creation.