Verovering van Doornik, 1709 1709

Pieter Schenk’s “Verovering van Doornik” was printed in 1709, using etching and engraving on paper. These printing processes are themselves tied to wider issues of labor, politics, and consumption. To create the image, Schenk would have started with a prepared copper plate, using sharp tools to directly incise the lines into the metal. He then applied ink to the plate, wiping away the excess, so that ink remained only in the carved lines. The plate was then pressed onto paper, transferring the image. The amount of work involved in this production process is considerable, demanding both physical skill and precision. The resulting print, with its fine lines and tonal gradations, captures a moment of military history for mass consumption. But it also demonstrates the power of printed images as documents, able to disseminate information and shape public opinion. By understanding the materials and processes behind "Verovering van Doornik," we can appreciate its dual role as both an artistic creation and a historical artifact.