Ruitergevecht voor een molen c. 1733 - 1762

Jean Moyreau made this print, 'Ruitergevecht voor een molen', which translates to 'Cavalry battle in front of a mill', using etching, a printmaking technique that’s all about controlled corrosion. The process begins with a metal plate covered in a waxy, acid-resistant ground. The artist then scratches an image into this ground, exposing the metal beneath. When the plate is submerged in acid, the exposed lines are eaten away, creating grooves. Ink is then applied to the plate, filling these etched lines. The surface is wiped clean, and the image is transferred to paper under high pressure. The stark contrast, achieved through the precise control of line and tone, vividly depicts a scene of conflict and devastation. This approach to image-making allowed for the wide distribution of images, reflecting the growing commercialization and accessibility of art. It also democratized art, in a way, and the print medium allowed artists to reach a broader audience, and participate in social and political discourse.