Vers bij de allegorische triomfwagen van de twaalfjarige Willem III, 1663 1663

This strip was printed in Amsterdam in 1663 by Crispijn van de Passe the Younger, to be read alongside an allegorical print of the twelve-year-old Willem III. Made using an engraving technique, where lines are incised into a metal plate, this text is a testament to the power of the printing press. Look closely and you'll see the crisp, precise lines that define the lettering and decorative flourishes. The print is more than just ink on paper; it's a product of skilled labor, where each line represents a deliberate action by the engraver. Engraving allowed for the mass production of texts and images, fueling the spread of information and ideas. Think of this print not just as a work of art, but as a vital form of social communication in its time. The amount of labor involved—the engraver's skill, the printer's craft—underscores the value placed on disseminating knowledge and shaping public opinion. It’s a reminder that art and craft are deeply embedded in the social and political currents of their time.