Blad met vijf voorstellingen van het bezoek van Willem V en Wilhelmina van Pruisen aan Amsterdam, 1768 1768

This printed sheet from 1768 by Cornelis Bogerts uses etching, a printmaking technique where lines are incised into a metal plate with acid, to show Willem V and Wilhelmina of Prussia's visit to Amsterdam. The etcher's art lies in controlling the bite of the acid, achieving a range of tones. Look closely, and you'll see how the depth and density of lines create shadows, textures, and the illusion of three-dimensionality. The technique would have allowed for relatively quick production, as the copperplate could be inked and reprinted many times over, even if the drawing would have required precision. The mass production of images like these reflected a growing public interest in the lives of the elite, but also served the purposes of the elite themselves. Etchings like these were a form of social media of their time. The work speaks to a society becoming increasingly fascinated by celebrity.