Dokšycy, 18 July 1812 1812

Albrecht Adam made this print, Dokšycy, 18 July 1812, using etching and aquatint – intaglio printmaking techniques that rely on acid to bite into a metal plate. It's a fascinating combination of craft skill and chemical process. Notice how the etched lines create the sharp details of the figures and buildings, while the aquatint gives us those broad, atmospheric washes of tone, especially in the billowing smoke. Aquatint allowed artists to create a wide range of tonal effects. The manipulation of acid and powdered resin becomes a means of translating the chaos of battle into a visual experience. This print wasn't just about aesthetics; it was a way of recording and disseminating information about a pivotal historical moment. The labor-intensive process of printmaking allowed for the mass production of images, bringing scenes from the Napoleonic Wars to a wider audience. And in its way, this print participates in the social processes it represents, linking war, labor, and consumption.