Illustratie voor 'Den Arbeid van Mars' van Allain Manesson Mallet 1672

This illustration for Allain Manesson Mallet’s book, ‘The Labours of Mars’, was created by Romeyn de Hooghe. It's made using etching and depicts labor and construction of a military fortress. The stark black lines on the white paper show the detailed architectural plans and the scene of intense human activity. Look closely, and you'll see the etcher's skilled technique, using precise lines to give a sense of depth and texture to the fortifications and figures. This method was efficient for reproducing images, which allowed for a broad distribution of military knowledge. This image is not just about design, it's about process – the work that went into building these structures. Notice the laborers digging, carrying, and building – their efforts rendered visible through the etcher's craft. In its own way, this illustration celebrates the labor and logistics required to build and operate such a complex military structure. It reminds us that every object, and particularly those connected with power, are underpinned by the labor of many.