Ontzet van Knodsenburg, 1591 1591

Frans Hogenberg created this print, *Ontzet van Knodsenburg*, in 1591 using etching, a printmaking technique that relies on the corrosive action of acid to create an image on a metal plate. Notice how the sharp, precise lines define the topography of the landscape, the arrangement of troops, and the architectural details of the fortifications. The crispness of the etched line allows for a high level of detail, essential for conveying the event with accuracy. Hogenberg was one of many printmakers who were essentially in the news business. Prints like this one offered a visual means of documenting historical events, disseminating information across Europe. The act of etching itself became a crucial tool, allowing for the mass production of images that could inform and shape public opinion. Consider the labor involved in the production process, from the initial design to the printing and distribution of the final product. Paying attention to the intersection of materials, making, and historical context helps to understand the significance of this compelling print.