Vier historische figuren uit de Vlaamse geschiedenis 1831 - 1890

This print depicting four historical figures from Flemish history was made by Jean Baptiste Pierre Michiels. It is made using a technique called etching, where lines are incised into a metal plate using acid, then inked and printed. Notice how the etched lines define the figures’ clothing, postures, and facial expressions. Each line required careful labor and artistry to create. The precision and detail speak to the skill of the printmaker, and printmaking allowed for wider distribution of images. Consider the social context of this print. While we don’t know its exact date, prints like these were often produced for a growing middle class in the 19th century, who were interested in history and culture. By focusing on the materials and processes involved in its creation, we can appreciate how it reflects broader social and economic trends of its time. The print embodies not only artistic expression, but also the history of labor, class, and consumption.