Gezicht op het stadhuis van Den Haag 1834 - 1843

Eduard Willmann made this ‘View of the Town Hall in The Hague’ through the process of steel engraving. This was a printmaking technique, where an image is incised into a steel plate. Now, steel engraving was very interesting, because it allowed for much larger print runs than traditional copper engraving. This was essential in the 19th century, as images were needed for mass communication through illustrated newspapers and books. Looking closely, you can see the fine, detailed lines that characterize the medium; it was perfect for capturing architectural details like the facades and windows of this impressive building. The choice of steel engraving speaks volumes about the social context of this artwork. It reflects the rise of industrial production, where reproducibility and efficiency were highly valued. Willmann and other artists used these advanced techniques to meet the growing demand for images, thereby participating in the visual culture of an increasingly commercial and industrialized society. By considering the materials, making, and social context of this print, we can better understand its place in the history of art and visual communication.