Pruisische troepen vallen Amsterdamse schutters aan bij Ouderkerk aan de Amstel op 1 oktober 1787 1789

Theodoor Koning made this print depicting an attack near Amsterdam in 1787. The processes involved in printmaking are crucial to consider here. Koning, as the artist, would have first created an image by incising a metal plate, most likely copper. This painstaking process, requiring great skill and a steady hand, essentially transforms metal into a matrix for producing multiple images. Ink is then applied to the plate, pressed onto paper, and then, voila, the image is transferred. This print is not just about the event it depicts. It's also about the capacity of printmaking to disseminate information widely. Consider the labor involved, not just Koning's individual effort, but the broader socio-economic context. Printmaking was a vital industry, employing many skilled workers. Each impression extends the reach of the image, making it an object tied to the very fabric of political discourse. So, we can appreciate Koning's artistic skill and recognize printmaking as a powerful tool for shaping public opinion.