Zeeslag bij Kijkduin, 21 augustus 1673 1674 - 1676

Herman Padtbrugge made this print of the Battle of Kijkduin in 1673. It is rendered in ink on paper using etching and engraving. These processes were essential tools for disseminating information in early modern Europe. The image shows the Dutch defeating the combined English and French fleets. We can see that the etcher has described in minute detail the array of ships with their billowing sails, each a tiny but essential component of the larger fleet. The use of line engraving gives the print a graphic quality that is both precise and visually captivating. The print’s very materiality speaks volumes about the era in which it was made: cheap to produce, easy to distribute, it allowed for the quick circulation of political messages, creating a sense of national pride in this victory against England and France. So, by considering the materials, methods, and context of production, we gain a deeper understanding of the print's historical and cultural significance, challenging traditional notions of art.