Moord te Haarlem door de Spanjaarden, 1573 c. 1574 - 1578

This print, *Moord te Haarlem door de Spanjaarden, 1573*, was made by Frans Hogenberg, probably around that date, using etching or engraving. The medium is crucial here, as it allowed for the relatively quick production of multiple images. This was how many people got their news in the 16th century. The fine, linear quality of the engraving gives a documentary feel. But of course, Hogenberg was not objective. He was deeply sympathetic to the plight of the Dutch under Spanish rule, and this comes across clearly. Look closely, and you will see the incredible amount of labor that went into this print. Every line had to be carefully incised into the metal printing plate, in reverse, and the image then printed onto paper. The print medium itself therefore bears witness to the social and political strife of the time, making it so much more than just a picture.