Schipbrug van Parma over de Schelde, 1585 c. 1587 - 1591

This print, made by Frans Hogenberg around 1585, shows the ship bridge constructed by the Duke of Parma over the Schelde river. It’s made through etching, a printmaking technique using acid to cut lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. What strikes me most is the sheer labor involved in building such a structure, and then in documenting it so meticulously. The print compresses the scene into a bird’s eye view, emphasizing the bridge’s strategic importance. It must have taken considerable manpower to assemble the ships and materials needed for this military feat. But let’s also consider Hogenberg’s work. Each line on this print represents a deliberate mark, carefully etched to convey depth, texture, and the overall scope of the construction. It is a testament to the skilled craftsmanship involved in both engineering and artistic representation. Ultimately, this print reminds us that art is always tied to its context, reflecting the social, political, and economic forces at play.