Belegering van Casale Monferrato after 1630

This is Wenceslaus Hollar’s “Belegering van Casale Monferrato,” a detailed depiction of the siege, made using etching on paper. Hollar was a master printmaker, and his skill is evident in the fine lines and textures that bring this scene to life. The etching process involves coating a metal plate with wax, drawing through the wax to expose the metal, and then immersing the plate in acid. The acid bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves that hold ink. This plate is then used to make prints. It’s a laborious process, demanding precision and control. Look closely, and you’ll see how Hollar varies the density of the lines to create shading and depth, capturing the weight of the fortifications and the movement of troops. The act of making prints also speaks to a wider social context. Prints were a primary means of disseminating information. Through the skilled labor of the artist, this siege becomes a widely available image, connecting viewers to distant events. This piece reminds us that even images of war are carefully constructed through specific materials and techniques.