Aanval op de vesting van Oranje en de Kerk Gods, 1672 1672 - 1674

Jacob de L'Ambre created this print titled 'Aanval op de vesting van Oranje en de Kerk Gods' in 1672. It’s made using the intaglio technique, in which lines are incised into a metal plate, then filled with ink and transferred to paper. Consider the labor invested in this print. The artist skillfully cut away at the metal with burins, painstakingly detailing the battle scene. The material itself, copper, would have been sourced through systems of trade and extraction, and processed with specialized tools before even reaching the artist. As a mode of production, printmaking occupies an interesting place. It’s not as singular as painting or sculpture. The very idea is to make multiples, to disseminate an image widely. In the 17th century, prints like this one served as news reports. So while this may look like a work of fine art, it’s intimately connected to the world of information, commerce, and yes, propaganda. It shows how materials, making, and social context are important in understanding the full meaning of an artwork.