Grafmonument voor Admiraal Willem Krul 1781 - 1803

Cornelis Brouwer created this print of a memorial to Admiral Willem Krul in the late 18th century, using etching and engraving techniques. These methods involve working an image into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper to create a print. The fine lines and detailed shading we see here required skilled hands and careful labor, which was highly valued in the printmaking trade. The processes were painstaking and time-consuming; each line meticulously etched or engraved to build up the overall image, and the result has an impact all its own. Consider, too, the social context: prints like this played a key role in circulating images and ideas at the time. They were a relatively affordable means of disseminating information and commemorating important figures. The decision to render this monument in print form speaks to a desire to broaden its reach, memorializing Admiral Krul not just in stone, but also through the more democratic medium of print. Through its materials, making, and context, this artwork offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistic and social landscape of the 18th century.