Verovering van Le Cateau-Cambrésis door de hertog van Anjou, 1581 c. 1581 - 1585

This engraving by Frans Hogenberg depicts the 1581 conquest of Le Cateau-Cambrésis by the Duke of Anjou. It offers a bird's-eye view of the siege, with the Duke's forces arrayed against the fortified city. Hogenberg was a printmaker active in the Netherlands during a period of intense political and religious conflict. His images provide valuable insights into the military strategies and political dynamics of the era. Consider the way Hogenberg uses visual codes to depict power and authority. The Duke's forces are depicted in neat rows, emphasizing their discipline, while the city appears vulnerable. The text accompanying the image serves as a form of propaganda, framing the Duke's actions as righteous and necessary. To understand this image fully, we can consult a range of historical resources, including military records, political pamphlets, and personal letters. These sources shed light on the social conditions that shaped the production and reception of Hogenberg's work. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.