Twee gestorven krijgers 1759

Christian Bernhard Rode created these images of two dead warriors using etching, a printmaking technique that democratized image production in the 18th century. The process involves coating a metal plate with a waxy, acid-resistant material, then scratching an image into the coating, exposing the metal. The plate is then immersed in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is applied to the plate, filling the grooves, and the surface is wiped clean. Finally, paper is pressed against the plate, transferring the ink and creating the print. The etched lines lend themselves to the depiction of emotional intensity in the faces, as the artist emphasizes the warriors' suffering. This printmaking technique allowed for multiple impressions to be made, and made art available to a wider audience beyond the elite. Understanding the material and the making of the artwork allows us to see the social context and the democratization of art at the time.