Plattegrond van de stad Doornik tijdens het beleg van 1709 c. 1698 - 1728

This is an anonymous print of the city of Tournai during the siege of 1709, likely made shortly after the event. The image shows the city's layout with an emphasis on its defensive fortifications. Consider the role of such images at this time. They served not only as records but also as tools of power, displaying military strength and strategic planning. The detailed depiction of the star-shaped forts reflects the advanced military engineering of the period, a source of pride and a symbol of control. This was a period of intense military conflict in Europe, with cities constantly changing hands. The production of such prints was often tied to state interests, serving to inform and impress both domestic and international audiences. To fully understand this print, we might look to military archives, historical records of siege warfare, and the printmaking guilds of the period. The meaning of this work lies not only in its aesthetic qualities but in its function as a form of political communication.