Beleg van Nijmegen, 1591 1613 - 1615

This anonymous engraving depicts the siege of Nijmegen in 1591, offering us a bird's-eye view of a pivotal moment in Dutch history. Created during the Eighty Years' War, it captures the city under siege by Maurice of Nassau, a key figure in the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule. Notice how the city, labeled "Nimmegen," is encircled by troops and fortifications, the river acting as both a barrier and a battleground. This isn't just a map; it’s a statement about power, control, and the struggle for independence. In that era, maps were tools of war as much as they were geographical documents. The Latin text accompanying the image asserts the strength and nobility of the Dutch cause, framing the conflict as a battle for freedom against oppression. It reflects the intense political and religious tensions of the time, where identity and sovereignty were fiercely contested. The siege of Nijmegen was more than just a military event; it was a moment that shaped the national identity and the future of the Netherlands.