Blad met vijf penningen ter ere van de gebroeders De Witt, 1672 1672 - 1699

This anonymous print from 1672 commemorates the De Witt brothers. It's made with engraving, a printmaking technique where a design is incised into a metal plate, and then used to print multiple images. This reproductive technology allowed for widespread dissemination of imagery, acting as a kind of early mass media. The crisp lines and fine details are achieved through the careful manipulation of a burin, a specialized cutting tool. The matrix, or plate, would have been made of copper, a relatively soft metal, and this is what allows for such precision. The act of engraving demands intense focus and physical control, reflecting the engraver’s skill and labor. This print serves as a historical artifact, reflecting the politics and culture of its time. The use of engraving speaks to the period's values surrounding craftsmanship, skill, and the dissemination of information. It's a testament to how materials, making, and context converge to create a work rich in meaning.