Haarlemse burgers trekken op naar Utrecht, 1786 1794

Reinier Vinkeles made this print, "Haarlemse burgers trekken op naar Utrecht," in 1786, using etching and engraving techniques. These processes involve incising lines into a metal plate, applying ink, and then pressing paper onto the plate to transfer the image. The print's appearance is influenced by the precision of the engraving and the subtlety of the etching, capturing a specific moment in time. The use of line work, with its inherent qualities of fineness and detail, is the key. Vinkeles's skills allowed him to convey social and cultural narratives through the medium of printmaking, which was often associated with the reproduction of information and dissemination of ideas. The work involved in creating such a print was labor-intensive, demanding technical mastery and artistic sensibility, and it had political implications. Considering the materials, making, and context helps us appreciate the full meaning of this artwork and challenges traditional distinctions between art and craft.