Slag bij Seneffe, 1674 1674

This print, depicting the Battle of Seneffe in 1674, was made anonymously, using etching. This is a printmaking process where a metal plate is coated in a waxy, acid-resistant substance, and the design is scratched into this coating, exposing the metal beneath. The plate is then submerged in acid, which bites into the exposed lines, creating grooves. In this print the etching technique allowed for the creation of intricate lines, crucial for rendering the densely packed battlefield. Look closely, and you'll notice the varying line weights, from fine lines defining the soldiers, to heavier shading creating depth and volume in the landscape. This labor-intensive process speaks to the culture of printmaking at the time. Each print would have taken a great deal of time and skill to produce, and would have circulated widely, spreading information about current events. By appreciating the craft and materials, we gain insight not just into the image itself, but also the culture in which it was created, challenging the traditional boundaries between fine art and craft.