Hongrie, from "Jeu de la Géographie" 1644

This is “Hongrie, from Jeu de la Géographie,” made in the 17th century by Stefano della Bella using etching. This print, part of a game, shows a regal figure symbolizing Hungary. The etching process is key. Della Bella would have coated a copper plate with wax, then scratched an image into it with a needle. When acid was applied, it bit into the exposed lines, creating grooves to hold ink. This plate could then be printed multiple times, and it is these very inky lines that give the image its crisp, graphic quality. Look closely, and you'll see the level of detail the etching process allowed. The texture of the figure’s garments, the details of the shield, and even the lettering are all carefully rendered. Della Bella was celebrated for his skill as a draughtsman, and printmaking allowed that skill to be shared widely. This reminds us that even what might seem like a simple card involved complex production, and served to circulate not only images but also ideas about places and cultures.