Hollandse maagd geflankeerd door Mars en Mercurius 1730

This print, made by Jan van Munnickhuysen in the late 17th century, showcases the artistry of engraving. Note how the incised lines articulate form, from the figures to the drapery and architectural setting. The print was produced by cutting lines into a metal plate, likely copper, applying ink to the recessed areas, and then pressing paper against the plate. This process, which demanded precision and skill, allowed for the mass production of images, thus circulating ideas and representations widely. Consider the labor involved in creating this image, from the initial design to the final print. The engraver had to be both technically proficient and artistically astute. The print's subject matter, the Dutch maiden flanked by Mars and Mercury, speaks to the political and economic aspirations of the Dutch Republic. Prints like these blurred the boundaries between art and craft. They were functional objects, used for decoration, documentation, and propaganda, yet they also possessed aesthetic value. Looking closely at the materials and making of this print helps us to understand its cultural significance.