Gewonden op het slagveld 1718 - 1781

This print, "Gewonden op het slagveld," or "Wounded on the Battlefield," was made by Christian Rugendas in the 18th century, using etching techniques on paper. The act of etching itself is crucial to understanding this image. It involves coating a metal plate with wax, scratching an image into the wax, and then submerging the plate in acid. The acid bites away at the exposed metal, leaving behind an image that can then be inked and printed. In this case, the result is a scene of human suffering and chaos. Look closely, and you'll see how the etched lines vary in thickness and depth, creating a sense of light and shadow. The medium contributes to the message. Consider the labor involved in creating such a work, versus the instant violence of the depicted scene. The meticulous craft of printmaking, then as now, allowed images to be reproduced and disseminated widely. Ultimately, this print challenges the notion of art as purely aesthetic. Instead, it reveals the deep connection between materials, processes, and the social context in which art is made.