De boodschap c. 1758 - 1775

This print, "De boodschap", was made by Jeremias Wachsmuth in the 18th century. It’s an engraving, meaning that the image was incised into a metal plate, likely copper, using a tool called a burin. The resulting lines hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under high pressure. Look closely, and you can see the crisp, precise quality of those lines. This wasn't a quick process; each line represents deliberate labor. It's a world away from the gestural freedom of a drawing or painting. Engraving like this was crucial for disseminating information in the 1700s. Think of it as a pre-digital form of mass media. The image of a messenger on horseback, framed by elaborate baroque ornament, speaks to this role of the printing press to bring news. What might seem like a straightforward illustration is, in fact, deeply embedded in the technologies and social structures of its time. By focusing on its making, we can see beyond the image itself and appreciate its broader cultural significance.