Troepen van Civilis bestormen de Romeinse vesting te Xanten, 69-70 1749 - 1759

This print, "Troepen van Civilis bestormen de Romeinse vesting te Xanten, 69-70", was made by Jacob Folkema in the 18th century using an engraving technique. This process involves cutting lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then transferring the image to paper. The act of engraving, with its reliance on skilled labor and mechanical reproduction, connects this image to the world of craft and industry. We can consider how the printmaking process itself relates to the depicted scene of conflict and struggle, and the amount of work involved in the siege. The medium is part of the message: just as the soldiers in the image work together to overcome the Roman fortress, the printmaker must also engage in a meticulous process to bring the scene to life. By attending to the material and techniques of this artwork, we begin to understand how the social and economic context of its making is reflected in the final product, highlighting the relationship between art and broader historical forces.