Vignet til "Udtog af den danske historie fra 1333-1559" 1752

This vignette was created by Jonas Haas in the 18th century, likely as an etching on a copper plate. The fine lines suggest this intaglio process, where the design is incised, filled with ink, and then printed. The image depicts a regal figure, perhaps an allegory of Denmark, seated above a lion with a sailing ship in the background. The materiality of the etching emphasizes the detailed linework, so critical to both the overall composition and the narrative details of the piece. The technique used allows for mass production, which speaks to the growing print culture of the 18th century and the rise of illustrated books. Think about the labor involved: from the engraver meticulously working the plate to the press operators churning out copies. The vignette becomes a commodity, a small but potent symbol of Danish history, available for consumption. Understanding the material process helps us see this image not just as art, but as a product of its time, embedded in the era's social and economic currents.