Veldslag 1816 - 1889

Johannes de Mare created this print of a battlefield scene using a technique known as etching. The process involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant material, then drawing an image into the wax, exposing the metal beneath. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling the grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the ink and creating the print. Etching allowed De Mare to achieve a high level of detail, capturing the chaos and drama of the battle with precision. But it also reflects the wider social context of printmaking as a reproductive medium, disseminating images and narratives to a broad audience. The labor-intensive process of etching stands in contrast to the mass production of images it enables, highlighting the complex relationship between craft and industry in the 19th century. This print offers a glimpse into both the artistic skill of the etcher and the socio-political role of visual media in shaping public perceptions of war and nationhood.