Zeeslag bij Kijkduin, 1673 1673

This print, made in 1673 by an anonymous artist, illustrates the naval battle of Kijkduin. Through detailed etching, the scene brims with chaotic energy. Note how the composition is structured with a dense cluster of ships at the center, flanked by receding vessels on either side, creating a sense of depth. The formal arrangement draws the eye into the heart of the conflict. The use of contrasting dark lines against the light background heightens the dramatic intensity, mirroring the real event's tumultuous nature. Smoke billows around the ships, blurring the lines and destabilizing a clear view of the battle, which invites a reading into how war obscures clarity and creates confusion. The portraits of admirals at the top and the text at the bottom of the scene serve as a symbolic frame, which contextualizes the event within a narrative of leadership and historical record. The print’s formal elements function together to construct a particular viewpoint on the battle, laden with interpretations of Dutch maritime power.