Gravin Ada belegerd op de burcht van Leiden, 1204 1785

This print, made by Reinier Vinkeles in the late 18th century, shows the siege of Countess Ada on the castle of Leiden in 1204. It's made using engraving, a printmaking process in which lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The linear quality of the print is key. The artist used thin, precise lines to create a sense of depth, texture, and drama. Notice how the lines create a stark contrast between light and shadow. The engraver’s skill is evident in the way he renders the textures of the soldiers' armor, the rough stone of the castle, and the landscape. This process demands time and specialized labor, reflecting the economic structure of the 18th century in which skilled craftsmanship was highly valued. Prints like these made art and history accessible to a wider audience, reproducing images and circulating ideas about historical events. So, the material and making of this print connects directly to its social function, spreading knowledge and shaping perceptions of the past.