Ontmoeting van soldaten op College Green te Dublin 1784

Joseph Collyer produced this print, "Ontmoeting van soldaten op College Green te Dublin," using a technique known as engraving. The process begins with a metal plate, traditionally copper, into which the artist meticulously carves lines. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling these incised lines. Excess ink is wiped from the surface, and the image is transferred to paper under high pressure. The resulting print showcases the artist's skill, and the ways in which they have used line work to create a sense of depth, texture, and atmosphere. The image celebrates the Irish Volunteers, a citizen army formed in the late 18th century. Their purpose was to defend Ireland against invasion during the American Revolutionary War. Collyer’s print immortalizes this moment of civic pride, but it also subtly acknowledges the social dynamics at play. The crisp precision of the engraving, a process that demands control and exactitude, mirrors the discipline of the assembled soldiers. The printmaking process, with its reliance on skilled labor, reflects the broader context of 18th-century craft and industry. Ultimately, by considering the materials, and the making of this print, we gain deeper insight into its cultural significance.