Overwinning op de Portugese vloot voor Bantam, 1601 1601 - 1610

This print, the “Overwinning op de Portugese vloot voor Bantam, 1601”, was created by Bartholomeus Willemsz. Dolendo. It is an engraving, made by incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and pressing it onto paper. Look closely, and you will see the incredibly dense, detailed scene of naval combat between Dutch and Portuguese ships. The act of engraving transforms a monumental battle into a pattern of lines. Dolendo was no doubt interested in the way the material and labor are tied to wider social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. Engraving was a reproductive medium, and it was all about commerce. This print was not only a work of art, but a form of propaganda. It represents not just a victory, but also the labor and skill required to produce and distribute images like this. The print medium allowed for the widespread dissemination of political and commercial messages, subtly reinforcing Dutch power and influence. So, when you look at this print, remember that its meaning is not just in the image itself, but also in the way it was made, and how this act is intertwined with the early history of globalization.