Pruisische troepen in de slag bij Waterloo, 1815 1815

This print, “Prussian Troops in the Battle of Waterloo, 1815,” was made anonymously, using etching and possibly some hand-coloring. It's on view here at the Rijksmuseum. While the scene depicts a historical event, the materiality of the print itself offers an interesting contrast. Etching is an indirect process, requiring the artist to manipulate a metal plate with acids. This creates the lines that will hold ink. The process allows for a relatively quick reproduction of images. Hand-coloring would have added another layer of labor, though likely still faster than painting. The print’s small size and the reproducible nature of the medium suggest that it was intended for a wide audience. It's a fascinating example of how graphic arts democratize access to information and imagery, even depictions of something as consequential as a battle. The print sits at the intersection of fine art and popular culture. Ultimately, it challenges us to consider how images shape our understanding of history.