Keeshond en Oranjeklanten op de weegschaal, 1787 1787

This print, dating to 1787, and made by an anonymous artist, belongs to a long history of political satire. Its power comes not just from the imagery, but from the physical process used to create it: etching. With etching, a metal plate is coated with a waxy ground, through which the artist scratches an image. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed metal, creating incised lines. Ink is applied, then the surface is wiped clean, leaving ink only in the etched lines. The plate is pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Look closely, and you’ll see a network of finely rendered lines, each one meticulously drawn and then bitten by acid. It’s a labor-intensive process, demanding skill and precision. The resulting print, however, could be reproduced and distributed widely, making it a potent tool for political commentary. The sharp, biting lines of the etching perfectly mirror the satirical content, weighing the merits of political factions on a symbolic scale. It reminds us that even the most seemingly simple images are the product of complex material processes, imbued with social and political meaning.