Medaille ter herinnering aan Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp 1718

This is an engraving, made by Bernard Picart sometime before 1733, commemorating Maarten Harpertszoon Tromp. Look closely, and you’ll see that this isn’t just a straightforward portrait, it’s an object meant to be struck and circulated, like currency. Engraving is an incisive process, demanding precision in the hand of the engraver. A metal plate, usually copper, is scored with lines that hold ink. The character of the lines—their depth and density—dictates the tonal range of the final image. Look at the detail achieved here, from Tromp’s lace collar to the churning sea. The print is a powerful testament to Dutch maritime prowess. A commemorative object like this reflects a society deeply engaged in trade, where naval achievement was a source of national pride. Its production celebrates a national hero. Its circulation bolstered a shared sense of identity. It also reminds us that even seemingly simple images can be complex objects, loaded with cultural meaning.