Hohenlimburg in Westfalen voor Truchsess gewonnen, 1584 c. 1587 - 1591

Frans Hogenberg made this print, "Hohenlimburg in Westfalen voor Truchsess gewonnen", in 1584. It's an engraving showing the siege of Hohenlimburg, now in Germany, by troops loyal to Gebhard Truchsess von Waldburg during the Cologne War. This image isn't just a depiction of a military event; it's a statement about power, religion, and the social order of the late 16th century. The Cologne War was a conflict sparked by religious divisions, with the Protestant Gebhard challenging the Catholic Church's authority. Hogenberg's print visualizes this struggle, portraying Truchsess's forces as righteous agents of change. Consider how the high vantage point and meticulous detail serve to legitimize Truchsess's campaign. The inclusion of the town with the church implies the impact of religious upheaval on everyday life. To fully understand this print, we need to delve into the religious and political context of the time, examining sources such as pamphlets, chronicles, and maps to piece together a more complete picture. By doing so, we can appreciate how art serves as a record of, and a participant in, historical events.