De drie legers in het Rijnland, 1620 1620

This print, made in Amsterdam in 1620 by Pieter van der Keere, uses etching and engraving to depict three armies in the Rhineland. These printmaking techniques were crucial for disseminating information in early modern Europe. The material qualities of the print – its lines, textures, and the contrasts between light and shadow – define the visual language. Van der Keere's skill in engraving brings the scenes to life, detailing military strategies and geographical locations. The production of such prints was labor-intensive, requiring skilled artisans to transfer images onto metal plates, print, and distribute them. This blend of artistry and industry reflects the burgeoning commercial culture of the Dutch Golden Age, where prints served both aesthetic and informational purposes. By focusing on the materials and processes behind this print, we recognize how it embodies the intersection of craft, design, and materiality, challenging the traditional boundaries between art, information, and commerce.