Familiewapen van Von Thurn und Taxis 1645

This is the family crest of Von Thurn and Taxis, created by Wenceslaus Hollar. He employed etching, a printmaking technique with a sharp eye and a steady hand. The design is made by covering a metal plate with a waxy, protective layer, then scratching into this coating with a needle to expose the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling these grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed onto the plate, transferring the ink and creating the print. Here, every line signifies precision and skill. This wasn’t just about artistic expression. These prints acted as social currency. Each line speaks to the intricate processes and the labor-intensive practices behind creating and disseminating imagery. It challenges traditional distinctions between craft and fine art, reminding us that every artwork is rooted in the tangible world of materials and making.