Plate 12: a procession of troops enter a city, horseman in center playing a trumpet towards the left, horsemen at left galloping towards the right, from 'Troops, cannons, and attacks on towns' (Dessins de quelques conduites de troupes, canons, et ataques de villes) 1635 - 1645

This print, made by Stefano della Bella sometime in the mid-17th century, is pure line etched into a copper plate. The process is fascinating: acid eats away the exposed metal, creating recessed lines that hold ink. Della Bella would have then pressed paper against the plate, transferring the image. Look closely, and you will see the material itself is crucial to the image’s impact. The fineness of the etched line allows for incredible detail – the textures of the horses’ manes, the soldiers’ uniforms, the city in the background. The stark contrast between the black ink and the white paper creates a dramatic effect, heightening the sense of movement and energy in the scene. The printmaking process allowed for the mass production of images like this one, fueling a growing market for art. This print hints at the complex relationship between art, labor, and power in the early modern period. Considering materials, making, and context allows us to fully appreciate the cultural work this unassuming print performs.