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

This illustration for Allain Manesson Mallet's book, ‘Den Arbeid van Mars,’ was created by Romeyn de Hooghe. It's a detailed etching on paper, using ink. The fine lines and tonal variations of the print are a direct result of the etching process, where the artist would have used acid to bite into a metal plate, creating grooves that hold the ink. It is an intaglio print. The map depicts a fortified military structure, highlighting the intersection of art, science, and military strategy in the early modern period. De Hooghe’s expertise as a printmaker allowed for the mass production of such images, facilitating the dissemination of knowledge and the projection of power. It shows us how printmaking became a tool of the state. The intricate linework and attention to detail reflect the labor involved in creating these images. Consider the role of craftsmanship in shaping our understanding of history and the intersection of art, politics, and labor.