De Franse dwerg Over-seese Politike Draayster, 1720 1718 - 1720

This print, "De Franse dwerg Over-seese Politike Draayster," was made in 1720 by Joost van Sassen using etching, a process that democratized image-making in the early modern era. The work's sharp lines and tonal contrasts are achieved by covering a metal plate with wax, scratching away the design, and then submerging the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed metal, creating recessed lines that hold ink. This plate, when pressed onto paper, yields the final image. The lines of the print highlight the grotesque caricature of a noblewoman, drawing attention to the extravagance and excesses of the aristocracy. The work's visual satire is tied to broader social issues of labor, class, and consumption, reflecting a critical view of the ruling class. Etchings like these offered a relatively inexpensive way to circulate political commentary, challenging the traditional boundaries between fine art and social critique.