Overstroming te Scheveningen op Allerheiligen, 1 november 1570 1730 - 1799

This print, depicting a flood in Scheveningen in 1570, was made by an anonymous artist. It is a relatively small work, made using etching or engraving – a process of incising lines into a metal plate, inking it, and then pressing it onto paper. The choice of printmaking gives the image its distinctive graphic quality, but also speaks to its wider dissemination. Unlike a painting, a print can be reproduced many times, making it ideal for spreading information and commentary, like in this case, news of a natural disaster. The image's stark black and white tones emphasize the drama of the flood, focusing on the water's destructive power. The printmaking technique, with its fine lines and textures, allows for a high level of detail, capturing the chaos and destruction. By understanding the materials and methods used to create this print, we can better appreciate its role as a form of social commentary and visual record.