Gewonden op het slagveld 1718 - 1781

This print, "Wounded on the Battlefield," was created by Christian Rugendas sometime in the 18th century. Rugendas employed etching, a printmaking technique using a metal plate covered with a waxy ground, into which the design is drawn with a sharp needle, exposing the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. The image is then transferred to paper through a printing press. The etched lines define the scene of devastation. Consider the labor that Rugendas invested, meticulously detailing each figure and contour. This highlights the brutal realities of warfare beyond the battlefield, from the artisan who created the print to those who traded and sold it. This speaks to the dark side of production, contrasting starkly with the precision and artistry involved in its making. By attending to these aspects, we gain a deeper understanding of the work. "Wounded on the Battlefield" is not only an artistic representation, but also a poignant reflection on the human cost of conflict and the labor that underpins it.