Plattegrond van Zaltbommel 1652

This is a map of Zaltbommel, made anonymously using printmaking techniques. The material of choice here is paper, but the real story lies in the making: the fine, precise lines achieved through engraving. The anonymous artist would have used sharp tools to carve an image into a metal plate. The ink was then applied to the plate, pressed onto the paper, leaving a mirror image of the carved design. The process, though mechanical, demands skilled craftsmanship. Consider the sheer labor involved in creating such detail! Note the depiction of buildings, fortifications, and even ships on the water – all rendered with remarkable accuracy. The map becomes more than just a guide; it's a testament to the engraver's skill, a visual representation of labor and technique. By focusing on materials and making, we see how printmaking democratized knowledge, challenging traditional ideas about what constitutes 'art'.