Plundering van het huis van wijnkoper Gerrit Hagedooren te Rotterdam, 1751 1751 - 1753

This print, made in 1751 by an anonymous artist, depicts the plundering of wine merchant Gerrit Hagedooren’s house in Rotterdam. The technique used to produce this image is etching, a process by which lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, then inked and printed. The act of etching allows for the creation of intricate and detailed scenes. Here, the material properties of the metal plate have enabled the artist to capture the chaos of the riot, from the shadowy figures ransacking the house to the flames engulfing the street. Notice the contrast between light and dark, achieved through careful application of the etching process. This adds drama and intensity to the scene. Prints like this one were often produced quickly and distributed widely, serving as a form of visual journalism. They provide valuable insights into the social and political tensions of the time, and the important role of craft in disseminating information and shaping public opinion.