De nieuwe vesting van Charleroi, 1666 1676 - 1685

This print of the new fortress of Charleroi was made in 1666 by an anonymous artist using etching, a printmaking technique. With etching, the image is incised in acid on a metal plate. It’s a relatively democratic medium because the artist controls the line directly, without the mediation of physical strength or carving skills. Look closely, and you can see the overall delicacy, and the artist’s skilled handling of light and shade. The choice of the etching technique to render this scene brings out the qualities of precision and control associated with military engineering, emphasizing the fortress’s strategic importance. The print is not just an image, but an instrument of power, designed to impress upon viewers the might and sophistication of the fortress. The use of printmaking for such images reflects the wider social context of the time, as it was a period of increasing availability and consumption of printed material, playing a role in shaping public perception and propagating political messages. The image challenges traditional distinctions, combining artistic skill with functional communication.