De begrafenisstoet van Frederik Hendrik, plaat nr. 10 1651

Pieter Nolpe created this print, plate number 10 from ‘The Funeral Procession of Frederik Hendrik’, using etching and engraving. The print's fine lines and intricate details, showcase the etcher's skill, while the linear structure emphasizes a processional quality, as it depicts a funeral procession of dignitaries. Engraving is a laborious process. The artist uses a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into a metal plate, and then ink is applied, and the surface wiped clean, leaving ink only in the carved lines. The plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Etching involves covering a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant ground. The artist then scratches away the ground to expose the metal, which is then bitten by acid, creating the lines that hold ink. The combination of etching and engraving shows Nolpe's mastery in printmaking techniques. The print is a testament to the labor and skill involved in its creation, offering insight into the cultural significance of the depicted event, while blurring boundaries between art and craft.