Plate 1: Roma and Batavia Shaking Hands, from The War of the Romans Against the Batavians (Romanorvm et Batavorvm societas) 1611

Antonio Tempesta made this print, "Roma and Batavia Shaking Hands," in 1611 using etching and engraving. These are both processes capable of capturing incredible detail; you can see that in the crispness of the figures, the landscape, and the lettering. Consider, though, that every single line had to be physically cut into a metal plate with a sharp tool. Think of the labor involved, and the expertise required! Printmaking was a key technology in early modern Europe. It was a way of disseminating information and propaganda at a time of constant religious and political conflict. Here, the artist aimed to show peace, not conflict, between Rome and Batavia, the area now known as the Netherlands. Still, you can see how the print medium itself – reproducible, sharp-edged, and impactful – could just as easily be used to stoke division. This artwork reminds us that craft and fine art both participate in wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption.