Illustratie voor 'Den Arbeid van Mars' van Allain Manesson Mallet 1672

This illustration, made by Romeyn de Hooghe, was intended for Allain Manesson Mallet's book, 'The Labors of Mars.' It’s an etching, so the image begins as a drawing incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. Here, the stark lines emphasize the geometry of military strategy. Note how the ground plan of a hexagonal fort is meticulously rendered, its shape both elegant and imposing. The print also depicts Barcelona, its skyline carefully articulated below. The etching medium, with its capacity for crisp detail, perfectly serves the purpose of cartography and technical illustration. But don’t mistake this for mere functionalism. Consider the labor involved in its making: the skilled hand of the draftsman, the engraver’s precision, the printer’s careful application of ink and pressure. These processes speak to a culture deeply invested in knowledge, power, and the technologies of both. Appreciating this artwork involves recognizing the blend of artistry and industry that brought it into being.