Gezicht op de door explosie verwoeste pelmolen van Gorinchem after 1814

This print, made by Johannes van Hiltrop, gives us a glimpse into early 19th-century life. The printmaking technique itself – likely etching or engraving – speaks to a world of skilled artisans, carefully rendering scenes for wider distribution. Here, the ruined mill, the cannon, and the figures give us clues. The precision of the lines used to depict the ruined structure invites us to consider the scene’s impact. Note how the artist meticulously renders the textures of the damaged building, contrasting it with the smooth surface of the paper, inviting a tactile sense of both destruction and resilience. The print serves not just as a record but as a commentary on the costs of conflict and the labor involved in both destruction and rebuilding. It also subtly acknowledges the role of industry, represented by the mill, and its vulnerability in times of war. So, by focusing on materials and making, we get a richer understanding of the print's historical and social context.