Arrestatie van Jacob de Witt, 1650 1675

Editor: So, this is "Arrestatie van Jacob de Witt, 1650" made around 1675 by Romeyn de Hooghe. It’s an engraving. I'm struck by how busy it is; it feels very documentarian. What strikes you about it? Curator: What I find compelling is thinking about this engraving as a mass-produced object. Its purpose isn’t necessarily to create ‘high art’ but to disseminate information, shaped by the engraver's perspective and the sociopolitical context. What does the very act of creating multiple identical images tell us? Editor: That it's meant to be shared and spread around, kind of like early propaganda? Curator: Exactly! Consider the material reality: an engraver, meticulously carving into a metal plate, producing imagery that reflects a very specific and likely biased account of events. The labour, the resources… all directed towards shaping public opinion. Is it really objective truth or manufactured narrative? What's emphasized? Editor: The detail in the clothing makes it feel like there’s emphasis on status, but maybe it's also for ease of replication in the engraving process? The clean, sharp lines of their garments against the chaotic backdrop seem purposeful. Curator: And who were the consumers of these prints? What did access to them signify about class and social standing? It’s not just about who is represented, but who could afford to possess this representation. Editor: That really makes me think about the accessibility of art throughout history and the narratives that are prioritized, thanks! Curator: My pleasure, thinking through the work required in production helps one realize who could possess them.