Vestingplattegrond van Naarden after 1690

This is an anonymous print of Naarden, made using an engraving process. It's essentially a drawing incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The lines are crisp and precise, reflecting the engraver's skill and patience. The material qualities of the print—its fineness, the evenness of the lines—speak to a culture of precision. It would have been made possible by sophisticated tools and techniques. This wasn't just art for art's sake. It was about projecting power, control, and knowledge. Consider the labor involved: the engraver's time, the materials used to create the plate, and the press. These elements are all tied to the wider social issues of labor and capitalism. This map isn't just a representation of a place; it's a product of its time. It highlights the intimate relationship between art, industry, and society. By considering materials, making, and context, we can better understand the meaning of this artwork.