Beleg van Saint-Quentin, 1557 1568 - 1572

Frans Hogenberg created this print of the Siege of Saint-Quentin in 1557. The detailed etching offers a bird's-eye view of the siege, a significant event in the Habsburg-Valois Wars. Made in the Netherlands, this image reflects the period's intense political and religious conflicts. The meticulous depiction of military strategy and urban layout speaks to the growing importance of cartography and visual communication in early modern Europe. The print was likely commissioned to inform and shape public opinion about the conflict. The level of detail suggests that Hogenberg had access to military reports or eyewitness accounts. As historians, we look to these images as valuable documents of their time, providing insight into the social and political contexts that shaped their creation and reception. By studying these historical records, we gain a deeper understanding of the past.