De oude Bataafse mannen kopen hun dienst aan de Romeinen af, 69-70 1768 - 1770

This print, dating from the 17th or 18th century, depicts "The old Batavian men buying their service from the Romans", and was likely made with etching or engraving. These intaglio techniques involve incising lines into a metal plate, which are then filled with ink and transferred to paper under high pressure. The medium itself, printmaking, speaks volumes about distribution of power. Unlike unique paintings or sculptures, prints allowed images and ideas to circulate widely, potentially democratizing information. However, it also relied on skilled labor and access to specialized equipment, suggesting a degree of economic control. Here, the sharp, precise lines emphasize the details of the scene – the Roman figures negotiating with the Batavian men. Look closely at the expressions and gestures – the artist, though anonymous, clearly had a point of view about this historical transaction. This image, multiplied and distributed, becomes a commentary on power, negotiation, and the cost of freedom. Printmaking is not just a technique, but a medium for social commentary.