Vlucht van de vaandrig te Middelburg, 1672 1764 - 1766

Simon Fokke created this print, "Flight of the Ensign at Middelburg, 1672," using an engraving technique. Engraving is a meticulous, labor-intensive process. The artist uses a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, typically copper. Ink is then forced into these lines, and the surface is wiped clean. When paper is pressed against the plate, the ink transfers, creating the image. Here, the material qualities of the print – the sharp, precise lines – lend themselves well to depicting the dramatic scene of the ensign's flight. The stark contrast between light and shadow amplifies the tension and chaos. Each line represents a deliberate cut, a physical act that mirrors the decisive actions of the figures portrayed. The very nature of engraving, with its demand for skilled labor and careful execution, elevates the print beyond mere reproduction. It becomes a valuable artifact, a testament to both artistic skill and the social narratives it conveys. This print challenges any strict divide between craft and fine art, showing how technique and material intertwine with cultural meaning.