Slag bij Ivry (Dreux), 1590 1590 - 1612

Frans Hogenberg's engraving from 1590 depicts the Battle of Ivry, using the incised line of the printing plate to create a scene of intense conflict. The printmaking process begins with a metal plate, likely copper in this instance. The artist uses a tool called a burin to carve lines directly into the plate’s surface. Hogenberg's skilled handling of the burin allows for the creation of fine, detailed lines that capture the chaos of battle. Look closely and you'll notice how the density and direction of the lines create areas of light and shadow, adding depth and drama to the scene. Ink is applied to the plate, lodging in the incised lines, and the surface is wiped clean. The plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the ink and creating the final image. Engravings like these were relatively easy to produce, and therefore played a crucial role in disseminating information and shaping public opinion. The material and the making are inseparable from the print's cultural significance. This was not 'high art', yet its impact was undeniable.