Verovering van Raab, 1598

This engraving of ‘Verovering van Raab, 1598’ (Conquest of Raab, 1598) was made by Philips Galle, a Dutch artist, engraver, and printmaker. Galle made this work following the Siege of Győr, or Raab as it was known then, which took place in 1598. As a bird’s eye view of the siege, Galle’s engraving illustrates the spatial relationship between the attacking armies and the city they are besieging. But it also speaks to how battles are represented and turned into propaganda. Galle has meticulously depicted the armies and armaments, while giving equal consideration to the town’s architecture. The print is accompanied by text in both Dutch and French. As an artwork, it captures a pivotal moment in the Habsburg-Ottoman wars, representing European military prowess, and is a testament to the cultural and political climate of the late 16th century. The Siege of Raab was more than a military engagement; it was a clash of empires, identities, and beliefs, captured here in ink and paper.