Slag van Waterloo / Bataille de Waterloo 1800 - 1833

This print, titled "Slag van Waterloo/Bataille de Waterloo," was created by J. Proost, and it gives us a glimpse into the making of mass media in the early 19th century. The work's graphic qualities speak to the processes of its manufacture: likely an etching or engraving, printed in multiple impressions, perhaps with some hand-coloring added to enliven the scene. The use of printmaking suggests a wider audience and the democratization of information. Rather than a unique painting for an elite patron, this image was designed for broader consumption. The events depicted show the Battle of Waterloo, and the defeat of Napoleon. The image presents a narrative across several panels, like a comic strip, and this relates to printmaking, which made the broad distribution of news possible, aligning it with the rise of public opinion. Considering its materials and means of production, the print becomes more than just a historical record. It is a cultural artifact, reflecting the rise of mass media, political awareness, and the changing relationship between art, information, and the public.