Acht overwinningen van Frederik Hendrik, 1629-1637 1637 - 1652

This print, Acht overwinningen van Frederik Hendrik, was made between 1629 and 1637 by an anonymous artist. It is made from laid paper, engraved and then hand colored with watercolor. The image is a series of small scenes, each representing one of Frederik Hendrik's military victories. The printmaking process was crucial in disseminating information and propaganda in the 17th century. Engravings like this one allowed for the mass production of images, making them accessible to a wide audience. The choice of laid paper as a support is also significant; it was a common, relatively inexpensive material, perfectly suited to the print's function as a widely distributed visual record. The labor involved in creating this print, from the engraver's skilled hand to the application of color, speaks to the broader economy of image-making in the Dutch Golden Age. The hand coloring adds an element of individual craft to the otherwise mechanically reproduced image. By understanding the materials and processes involved, we can appreciate the significance of this print as a cultural artifact, not just a work of fine art.