Plattegrond van de vesting Ofen 1653 - 1693

This is Johann Martin Lerch’s “Plattegrond van de vesting Ofen,” a print made at an unknown date, using etching and engraving. The intricate lines were achieved by cutting into a metal plate. The artist would have used sharp tools to carve the image before applying ink and pressing the plate onto paper. Look closely at the intense detail of the scene. The act of creating such a piece was labor-intensive, demanding precision and skill. Prints such as these were vital for circulating information, depicting military events and battles, and celebrating military power. Notice how the material qualities of the printmaking process—the sharp lines, the contrast between light and shadow, the sheer amount of work involved—contribute to the overall impact of the image. We can appreciate how this medium has imbued the artwork with cultural and historical significance, offering insights into the social and political landscape of the time.