Deel van de optocht, nr. 30 1559 - 1619

Joannes van Doetechum created this print, "Part of the Parade, no. 30," sometime in the 16th century using the technique of engraving. Look closely, and you'll see how the artist has used finely incised lines on a copper plate to render the figures and costumes. The very act of engraving, with its reliance on skilled handwork and precise control, is a testament to the period's values and social structures. The procession depicts figures of high status adorned in elaborate garments, broadcasting their wealth and standing in society. Think about the countless hours of labor that went into producing textiles of this kind, and how this print makes those garments available to a wider audience. The material execution of "Part of the Parade, no. 30," invites us to reflect on the relationship between artistry, labor, and social status in the early modern world. By understanding the way this print was made, we can more fully appreciate its cultural significance and meaning.