Beleg en inname van Ath, 1706 1712 - 1715

Johann August Corvinus created this print in 1706, documenting the siege of Ath using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production. The process begins with a metal plate, usually copper, coated with a waxy, acid-resistant substance. The artist then draws through this coating, exposing the metal. When acid is applied, it bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. The deeper the bite, the more ink it holds, and the darker the line will be in the final print. The plate is then inked, wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines, and pressed onto paper. The strength of etching lies in its ability to create incredibly fine detail and subtle gradations of tone through hatching. This print is no exception, with the image's border featuring exquisite ornate designs. This technique allowed for the wide distribution of images, playing a key role in shaping public opinion, disseminating news, and cementing cultural memory.