Eerste praalwagen in de optocht voor de Heilige Rombout, 1825 1825

This print, made by Jan Vervloet in 1825, shows the first float in a parade for Saint Rumbold. Its crisp lines and detailed shading showcase the intaglio printmaking process, likely achieved through engraving or etching. Consider the labor involved: from the initial design to the meticulous carving of the image onto a metal plate, and finally the printing itself. The image shows a carefully constructed and highly ornamented float, pulled along by hand. This parade car would have been created by expert carpenters, gilders, and costume makers. The print, then, is a record of a collaborative, labor-intensive event, highlighting the social and economic structures of the time. Looking at this image, we can see how prints like this one blur the lines between documentation, art, and social commentary. By appreciating the materials, processes, and social context of Vervloet's work, we gain a richer understanding of its meaning and significance.