Mislukte aanval op fort Kallo, 1638 1638

Bonaventura Peeters I made this print of the failed attack on Fort Kallo in 1638. It’s an etching, meaning that the image was bitten into a metal plate using acid, then inked and printed onto paper. Consider how the hard, unyielding nature of metal shaped the look of this image. The stark lines and precise details speak to the engraver's skill, carefully controlling the corrosive acid to achieve the desired effect. But this wasn't just about artistic expression. This print served a vital function: disseminating information. Think of the labor involved: from mining and refining the metal, to the skilled craftsmanship of the etcher, to the printing process itself. This all speaks to the Dutch Republic's vast commercial empire. Prints like this were commodities, feeding a growing appetite for news and knowledge. Ultimately, this etching transcends mere illustration. It is a tangible artifact of early modern capitalism, reflecting the complex interplay of labor, technology, and global power.