Plattegrond van het bombardement van Brussel door de Fransen (onderste helft), 1695 1695

Harmanus van Loon made this etching of the bombardment of Brussels by the French in 1695. Depicting the event as a map allows viewers to understand the scale of the damage inflicted on the city. It invites us to consider the power dynamics between nations and the role of urban centers as strategic targets during times of conflict. The image presents a bird's-eye view of Brussels, emphasizing its fortifications and layout, and uses visual codes to highlight areas affected by the bombardment. Produced in the Dutch Republic, a center of cartography and printmaking, it reflects the cultural and political interests of the time, including anxieties about French expansionism. As an artifact of institutional history, this etching reflects the evolving role of visual media in shaping public opinion and national identity. To fully understand this work, historians consult various resources, including military archives, contemporary accounts, and cartographic studies. The meaning of this image is contingent upon understanding the historical context in which it was created and the social forces that shaped its production and reception.