Slag bij Nördlingen (rechterdeel) 1645 - 1686

Nicolas Cochin created this print, "Slag bij Nördlingen," using etching, around 1645. It depicts the historical context of the Battle of Nördlingen, a significant event during the Thirty Years' War. The print offers a bird's-eye view of the battlefield, framed by ornate foliage, which speaks to the conventions of cartography at the time, but the image also functions as propaganda, shaping the viewer's understanding of the conflict. Consider the power dynamics at play: Cochin, as the artist, has the ability to construct a narrative around the battle, influencing how it is remembered and understood. The inscription indicates the key players and regions involved in the conflict, highlighting the political and territorial ambitions that fueled the war. How does Cochin’s representation of this battle influence our perception of the identities and motivations of those involved? The print invites us to consider the human cost of war and reflect on how historical events continue to shape our world.