Ondergang van de Armada, 1588 1857

Jan Frederik Christiaan Reckleben created this print of the Ondergang van de Armada, or the downfall of the Armada, in 1888. It’s made using a technique called etching, where lines are scratched into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Consider the labor involved: not just the artist’s skilled hand, but also the unseen work of miners extracting the metal for the plate, and printers reproducing the image. The sharp, precise lines of the etching allow for detailed rendering of the ships and the tumultuous sea. Look at the way Reckleben uses varying densities of lines to create depth and atmosphere, drawing us into this historical naval battle. The print’s monochrome palette adds a sense of drama, highlighting the clash between the Dutch and Spanish fleets. This piece is more than just a historical record; it’s a carefully crafted object, embedded with layers of meaning and labor that extend far beyond the artist’s studio. It reminds us that every artwork is a product of its time, reflecting both the artist’s vision and the broader social and economic forces at play.