Vloot van de vier keurvorsten op de Rijn, 1580 c. 1581 - 1585

This print, "Fleet of the Four Electors on the Rhine," was made in 1580 by Frans Hogenberg using engraving, a process that involves cutting lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing paper against it. The stark contrast between the ink and the paper creates a graphic image, depicting a historical event with a focus on the vessels and figures involved. Engraving allowed for the detailed depiction of the scene, from the individual oarsmen on the boats to the riders on horseback. This print isn't just a record, it's also a statement about power and status. The act of creating this print speaks to the rise of print culture and its role in disseminating information and shaping public perception. Consider the labor involved – the engraver's skilled hand meticulously carving the image into the metal. The print is a commodity, produced for sale and consumption, reflecting the economic systems of the time. It challenges us to consider the social and economic context in which it was made.