Nachtelijk tocht van Spaanse soldaten door het water naar Duiveland, 1575 1701 - 1703

This print, made by Coenraet Decker around 1675, depicts a 16th century night raid by Spanish soldiers, rendered with fine lines etched into a copper plate. Consider how the matrix of the copper plate has enabled the artist to capture the tension of this military action. The image is composed of numerous lines that create a sense of depth and movement across the water. Look at the lines and patterns etched into the metal plate, which define the forms, textures, and light in the scene. See how the precise craftsmanship, with its painstaking details, conveys the vastness of the night sky and the dangers faced by the soldiers wading through the water. The process of printmaking allows for the mass production of images, making it a powerful medium for disseminating information and propaganda. This print not only commemorates a historical event but also reflects the socio-political context of the time, revealing insights into warfare, labor, and the impact of such events on society. It challenges us to consider the labour involved in both the depicted action and its representation.