Overgave van Venlo, 1586 c. 1587 - 1591

Frans Hogenberg's engraving, “Overgave van Venlo, 1586”, captures a pivotal moment in the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. This detailed print offers a bird's-eye view of the siege and surrender of Venlo, a city strategically located on the Maas River. Hogenberg, working in a time of religious and political upheaval, uses the visual language of cartography to assert a particular viewpoint. The print not only documents the military tactics and fortifications but also subtly conveys the human drama of conflict. Consider the emotional weight of "surrender". What does it mean for a city, a people, to give themselves over to another power? Prints like these served as both news and propaganda, shaping public opinion and solidifying national identities in a time of war. The level of detail invites viewers to consider the complexities of the battle, the resilience of the city, and the broader implications of the Dutch struggle for independence. Hogenberg asks us to consider the human cost of political and religious conflict.