Gijsbrecht van Amstel en Herman van Woerden als gevangenen Utrecht binnengeleid, 1252 1664 - 1724

This engraving shows Gijsbrecht van Amstel and Herman van Woerden being led into Utrecht as prisoners in 1252, though we don't know exactly when it was made, or by whom. Engraving is an intaglio process, which means the image is cut into a metal plate, traditionally copper. Ink is then applied to the entire plate, and then wiped off the surface, leaving ink only in the incised lines. The plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating the print. Look closely, and you'll see how the artist has used lines of varying thickness and density to create a sense of depth and shadow. The precision of the engraved line allows for intricate detail, capturing the expressions on the prisoners' faces and the texture of their clothing. Engraving was a highly skilled and laborious process, requiring years of training. The resulting prints were often reproduced and distributed widely, making images accessible to a broad audience. This print, therefore, reflects not only the depicted historical event but also the social and economic context of its production, where skilled labor and reproducible media played a crucial role in disseminating information and shaping public opinion.