Feestmaal van Belsassar 1585

This print, *Feast of Belshazzar*, was made by Johannes or Lucas van Doetechum, using the process of etching. This intaglio method involves using acid to cut lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and printed onto paper. The result is a monochrome image with fine, precise lines, allowing for a high level of detail. Look closely and you'll see how the etcher has used different densities of lines to create a sense of depth and shadow. The story of Belshazzar's feast is one of divine judgment, and the choice of printmaking as a medium adds a layer of social commentary. Prints were relatively accessible, not unique like paintings, so this image could circulate widely, carrying its message to a broad audience. This speaks to the democratizing potential of printmaking, using a replicable medium to comment on power, politics, and the consequences of excess. The relatively efficient nature of etching also allowed for a quicker turnaround, meaning the image could respond more rapidly to contemporary events and concerns. So, in considering this print, we can appreciate not only its aesthetic qualities, but also its role as a medium of communication and social critique.