Inname van Geertruidenberg, 1573 c. 1574 - 1578

Frans Hogenberg created this print of the ‘Inname van Geertruidenberg, 1573’ using engraving techniques. Engraving is an intaglio printmaking process, where the artist cuts lines into a metal plate, usually copper, using a tool called a burin. The incised lines hold ink, and when the plate is pressed against paper, the image is transferred. The fineness of the lines, the control of hatching and cross-hatching, all speak to the engraver's skill. Consider the labor involved in creating this print. The meticulous work of cutting the lines into the metal plate, the physical effort required to operate the printing press, and the distribution of the prints. The print served as a means of disseminating information and shaping public opinion. By focusing on the material and the making, we can appreciate the cultural and social significance, reminding us that art is not just about aesthetics but also about labor, politics, and the circulation of ideas.