Dood van Barthold Entes, 1580 1783 - 1795

This print, titled "Dood van Barthold Entes," was created by Reinier Vinkeles, who lived from 1741 to 1816. Intaglio printmaking is a labor-intensive process, involving the careful use of acid to bite lines into a metal plate. The etched lines hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under great pressure. Look closely at the density of fine lines in the depicted scene, particularly those describing the sky. This laborious approach results in a precise and reproducible image, but also bears the mark of the engraver’s skill. Consider how this contrasts with the scene depicted: a chaotic moment of death in battle. The print medium, with its emphasis on detail and duplication, transforms a singular event into a repeatable image. It’s a powerful demonstration of how printmaking could both commemorate and perhaps even sanitize the harsh realities of war. By examining the materiality and process of this print, we gain a richer understanding of its cultural and historical context, blurring the lines between art, craft, and social commentary.