Intrede van de prins en prinses van Oranje te Leeuwarden, 1777 1783 - 1784

This print, made by Simon Fokke in 1777, commemorates the entrance of the Prince and Princess of Orange into Leeuwarden. It’s a scene brought to life through the technique of engraving, where the artist uses a tool called a burin to incise lines into a metal plate. The material qualities of the metal are important here, as the depth and density of the lines determine the tones in the print. Think about how this technique differs from drawing on paper; there’s a precision and permanence to engraving, reflecting the importance of this royal event. Engraving was a reproductive medium, meaning it was used to disseminate images widely. It connected to a whole social context of printing, publishing, and distribution. By focusing on the materiality and processes of printmaking, we can appreciate how this image participated in the construction of royal power. It demonstrates how craft and fine art are intertwined with labor, politics, and consumption.