Beleg van Lille, 1667 1835 - 1840

This print, made in 1667 by an anonymous artist, shows the siege of Lille. The medium here is etching – an indirect intaglio process that dates back to the early 16th century. To make an etching, a metal plate is first coated in wax. The artist then draws through this coating with a sharp needle, exposing the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines. The longer it sits in the acid, the deeper the lines. Once the wax is removed, ink is applied to the plate, filling these etched lines. The surface is wiped clean, and then the plate is pressed against a sheet of paper. The ink is transferred, creating the image you see here. This printmaking technique allowed for relatively quick and easy reproduction. This was crucial for disseminating images and information widely, enabling the circulation of propaganda or, in this case, documentation of Louis XIV's military campaigns. The relatively low cost of production also meant that a wider audience could access these images, blurring the lines between art, reportage, and political messaging.