Burgemeester Loten aangevallen te Utrecht, 1785 1783 - 1795

This print, made in 1785 by Reinier Vinkeles, shows an attack on Mayor Loten in Utrecht. The image is created using the technique of etching, where lines are incised into a metal plate and then printed, allowing for detailed and reproducible images. The material quality of the etching—the fine, precise lines—shapes the overall appearance of the work, capturing a moment of political turmoil with remarkable clarity. This mode of production, common in the 18th century, allowed for the wide distribution of images, playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion. The print's existence is inherently tied to the era's social context: mass production was a burgeoning concept, but artisanal skill was still essential to create and disseminate these images. Consider the labor involved in creating the plate, applying the acid, and then meticulously printing each copy. The act of making is thus central to understanding its historical and cultural value, underscoring how 'craft' and fine art are interconnected.