Vuur c. 1736

This print, titled 'Vuur', was made by Jacques Philippe Le Bas in the 18th century, using etching and engraving techniques. Look closely and you'll see the incredible detail achieved through the controlled removal of metal from the plate. The image depicts a scene of labor, centered around a blacksmith's workshop. Note the figure in the foreground, carefully hammering a piece of metal on an anvil. In the background another heats metal, readying it for shaping. The fire is the focal point, essential for the transformation of raw materials into functional objects. The print invites us to consider the intense physical effort involved in metalworking, and the societal reliance on skilled labor to produce essential goods. The placement of armor in the foreground further emphasizes the context of production. Le Bas elevates the status of craft by portraying the industry and the essential role of the blacksmith.