Dankzij het Bestand leven boeren en soldaten vreedzaam samen, 1609 1610

Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert created this print in 1609, using etching and engraving. These intaglio processes involve cutting lines into a metal plate, inking the surface, and then wiping it clean so that ink remains only in the incised lines. The plate is then pressed onto paper, transferring the image. Look closely, and you can see how the varying depths and densities of the lines create a range of tones and textures, giving depth to the scene. The controlled precision of engraving allows for fine details, while the more spontaneous nature of etching adds dynamism. At the time, printmaking was a highly skilled craft, involving physical labor and technical knowledge. But it also enabled mass production and distribution of images, playing a crucial role in shaping public opinion and cultural exchange. In this print, the artist is using the medium to convey a message about the peaceful coexistence of farmers and soldiers, reflecting on social issues of labor, politics, and consumption. The importance of materials, making, and context become clear in understanding the full meaning of an artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.