Illustratie voor 'Den Arbeid van Mars' van Allain Manesson Mallet 1672

This etching by Romeyn de Hooghe, dated 1672, illustrates a scene from the book 'Den Arbeid van Mars' by Allain Manesson Mallet. The detailed illustration depicts a fortified city, a winding river, and figures engaged in various activities, including farming and fishing. The composition highlights the importance of military fortifications and agricultural production in the 17th century, reflecting the Dutch Golden Age's focus on both defense and economic prosperity. The etching, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a fascinating example of how art was used to communicate knowledge and ideas during this period.