Zeeslag 1760 - 1801

This print, ‘Zeeslag’, or naval battle, was made by Jan Bulthuis in the late 18th century, using etching and possibly engraving on paper. The material quality of the print, its fine lines and monochrome palette, allow for an incredible depiction of a battle at sea. Consider how each tiny line was carefully etched into a metal plate, then inked and pressed onto the paper. Look closely and you can see the labor involved in producing this image. This process was crucial for distributing images widely at the time, making it possible to disseminate information and propaganda about naval conflicts, and was at the intersection of art, craft, and industrial production. Ultimately, understanding the printmaking process helps us recognize the social and cultural context in which the work was made and consumed, highlighting how the techniques of reproduction played a role in shaping public opinion and national identity.