Terugkeer van de overwinnaars 1867 - 1887

This print, titled "Terugkeer van de overwinnaars," was made by Friedrich Wilhelm Zimmermann in the 19th century using the technique of steel engraving. Steel engraving allowed for the creation of highly detailed and precise images, well-suited for capturing the nuances of this triumphant return. Think about the labor involved, both in the scene depicted and in the artist's studio. Zimmermann skillfully rendered the textures of the clothing, the architecture of the buildings, and the expressions on the faces of the crowd. The crisp lines and tonal gradations achieved through steel engraving contribute to the overall sense of realism. The choice of steel engraving as a medium speaks to the era's fascination with technological advancements, yet still relied on the engraver's hand. It also hints at the growing market for printed images, as steel engraving allowed for larger print runs than traditional copperplate engraving. Considering the materials and processes involved gives us a richer understanding of the artwork's creation and its place within the broader social and cultural context of the time.