Heldendaad van sir William Russell tijdens het beleg van Zutphen, 1586 1823 - 1829

Philippus Velijn created this print of ‘Heldendaad van sir William Russell tijdens het beleg van Zutphen, 1586’ in the early 19th century. It’s made using an engraving, a printmaking technique where the artist carves an image into a metal plate. Look closely, and you'll see the crisp, precise lines that define the figures and the dramatic scene. This wasn't a quick process. Each line had to be carefully etched, demanding a high level of skill and control. Engraving was a popular method for reproducing images at the time. The nature of the medium—the incised line and the way it holds ink—lends a sharp clarity to the scene. The print could be reproduced many times over. The emphasis here is on the action of the battle, but also consider the labor involved in creating this image. The engraver's craft, although less celebrated than painting, played a crucial role in disseminating visual narratives and patriotic ideals. It blurs the line between art, craft, and the wider culture of image production.