Illustratie voor 'Den Arbeid van Mars' van Allain Manesson Mallet 1672

This illustration for Allain Manesson Mallet's 'Den Arbeid van Mars' was created by Romeyn de Hooghe, using etching and engraving. The precise lines and controlled textures only possible through this combination of techniques. The print shows a bird's-eye view of a fortified city, probably somewhere in the Netherlands, emphasizing defense and strategic planning, and the labor involved in building these imposing structures. De Hooghe has skillfully described the layered defenses – from moats and walls, to interior courtyards and roads. The act of meticulously engraving these details emphasizes the social context of the work, in a time of near constant war and conflict. This was work created by hand, demanding intense focus and skill, to celebrate other work, even more dangerous. Understanding this image through its materials and making processes gives us insight into its historical significance, blurring traditional distinctions between design, craft, and fine art.