Inname van Saint-Venant, 1710 1712 - 1715

Johann August Corvinus created this print, "Inname van Saint-Venant," in 1710, capturing a moment of military conquest. Reflect on the cultural context that shaped this work. The print is more than a historical record; it's a narrative deeply embedded in the power dynamics of its time. Military achievements often glossed over the human cost, and the stories of those who suffered—the displaced, the defeated—were rarely told. Consider how the glorification of conquest served to consolidate power. These images helped to define national identity and legitimize colonial expansion. Corvinus' print invites us to reflect on how societies choose to remember their past. It asks us to consider whose stories are amplified and whose are silenced. As you examine this print, think about the untold narratives and the complex layers of identity and experience that are often overshadowed by grand historical narratives. It is in these untold stories that we find a richer, more complete understanding of our shared past.