Marcomannen 1712 - 1714

This engraving titled "Marcomannen" was made by an anonymous artist. The process here is traditional printmaking, a medium that can be easily reproduced and distributed, democratizing its message. The image depicts a warrior, presumably of the Marcomanni tribe, clad in woven armor and holding a shield. The material representation of the warrior's attire is especially interesting. The armor appears to be constructed from woven textiles, which speaks to the skills and traditions of early craft practices. This choice of material also tells us about the social context. Weaving, often done by women, was a common domestic task, and the use of woven armor suggests a society where craft and warfare were closely intertwined. The artist, through this engraving, is not only depicting a historical figure but also commenting on the relationship between craft, society, and the construction of identity. It encourages us to look beyond conventional hierarchies of art and appreciate the cultural significance embedded in everyday materials and practices.