Illustratie voor 'Den Arbeid van Mars' van Allain Manesson Mallet 1672

This illustration for ‘The Work of Mars’ was made by Romeyn de Hooghe around the turn of the 18th century, using etching. An etching is made by drawing into a wax ground on a metal plate, and then using acid to bite away the exposed lines. It’s a printmaking process capable of capturing fine detail, as you can see here. Look closely at the image. At the top, you'll see a geometrical plan of a military fortification, complete with labeled angles and perspectives. Below, a chaotic battle scene unfolds with soldiers on horseback amidst smoke and gunfire. The stark contrast between the precise geometry above and the raw energy of the battle captures the tension between military strategy and the lived experience of conflict. This print would have been produced in multiples, contributing to a visual culture of military and political commentary. The etching process, with its blend of technical skill and artistry, brings us closer to the world of early modern Europe, where warfare and craftsmanship were deeply intertwined.