Inhuldiging van keizer Karel VI als graaf van Vlaanderen te Gent, 1717 1717 - 1719

Jan Baptist Berterham made this print of the inauguration of Charles VI as Count of Flanders in 1717. It is an etching, a printmaking technique that involves using acid to cut into a metal plate, which is then inked and used to create multiple images. Think about the amount of work involved in creating such a detailed image. Every line had to be carefully drawn and etched. This was not just a mechanical process but required considerable skill and artistry. The choice of etching as a medium speaks volumes about the social context of the time. Printmaking allowed for the wide distribution of images, making them accessible to a broader audience. It was a way of disseminating information and propaganda, in a way that spoke to politics and consumption. Berterham's print bridges fine art and craft, demonstrating the power of materials and making in conveying meaning. It reminds us that understanding the process behind an artwork is key to appreciating its full significance.