Zeeslag bij Stromboli, 1676 1673 - 1676

This print of the naval battle near Stromboli was made in 1676, likely as a broadside to inform the public about the event. It’s an etching, a printmaking technique that involves using acid to cut lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. Think about the labor involved in producing this image. First, someone had to witness the battle or gather detailed accounts. Then, a skilled artisan had to translate this information into a precise drawing on the metal plate. The act of etching itself required expertise and careful handling of dangerous chemicals. Finally, the print had to be produced in potentially large numbers. Prints like these were a form of mass communication in the 17th century, used to disseminate news, political messages, and even propaganda. The level of detail in this image, from the individual ships to the billowing smoke, speaks to the importance of accuracy and realism in conveying the events of the battle. It underscores how deeply intertwined art, labor, and social context can be.