Bombardement van Bergen op Zoom, 1747 1772

This 1772 etching by Simon Fokke depicts the 1747 bombardment of Bergen op Zoom, a strategic Dutch city, by the French during the War of the Austrian Succession. Fokke skillfully captures the chaotic scene with dramatic clouds and smoke billowing over the city, while cannons and soldiers populate the foreground, emphasizing the scale and intensity of the battle. The etching, part of the Rijksmuseum collection, offers a visual documentation of a significant historical event, showcasing the artistic style of the 18th century and the historical context surrounding the event.