Inname van Calais door Albrecht, 1596 1596 - 1598

This print, "Inname van Calais door Albrecht," was made in 1596 by Frans Hogenberg, using an engraving technique. Engraving involves cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then wiping it clean so that ink remains only in the incised lines. This plate is then pressed onto paper to create a print. Here, the artist meticulously rendered the siege of Calais with an impressive level of detail; notice the fortifications, ships, and troop formations. The engraving process itself is labor-intensive, demanding skilled craftsmanship. Each line represents a deliberate mark, requiring both physical and mental precision. Hogenberg, as a printmaker, was part of a larger network of artisans and publishers, producing images that circulated widely and shaped public opinion. These prints played a crucial role in disseminating news and propaganda, reflecting the political and social context of the time. By appreciating the materials, the labor-intensive process, and the historical context, we can fully understand the significance of Hogenberg's work, and the importance of printmaking in early modern Europe.