De aartshertogen bezoeken het verwoeste Oostende na de capitulatie, 1604 1753

This etching by Dutch artist Simon Fokke (1712-1784) depicts the Archdukes Albert and Isabella entering the ruined city of Ostend, Belgium in 1604, after its surrender. The print captures the devastation of the city, a consequence of the Siege of Ostend, one of the longest and most brutal sieges in military history. It depicts the city in ruins, with rubble, debris, and destroyed buildings, showcasing the hardships faced by the city's inhabitants. The historical context of this artwork lies in the Eighty Years' War, a conflict between the Dutch Republic and the Spanish Habsburgs. This print, now held by the Rijksmuseum, is a stark reminder of the destructive power of war and a testament to the resilience of the city and its people.