Dieppe bevrijd door Hendrik IV, 1590 1590 - 1612

This print, Dieppe Liberated by Henry IV, was made around 1590 by Frans Hogenberg, using etching and engraving. These printmaking processes were essential to the distribution of news and propaganda in early modern Europe. Consider the labor involved in creating this image. First, the copper plate had to be meticulously prepared. Then, using specialist tools, the artist would cut the image into the metal surface. Acid was then applied to deepen the lines. Finally, the plate was inked and printed onto paper. The process demands patience and skill, reflecting the values of craft guilds of the period. But Hogenberg's print is not just a demonstration of technical prowess; it is a political statement. The image celebrates a key moment in French history, a victory for Henry IV. By distributing this image widely, Hogenberg played a vital role in shaping public opinion and bolstering the king’s image. It reminds us that even seemingly simple objects can be powerful tools in shaping social and political landscapes.