Beleg van Vercelli, 1618 1618 - 1620

This engraving, made in 1618 by Frans Hogenberg, depicts the siege of Vercelli, a moment frozen in time. Look closely at the layout: the city, encircled by besieging forces, is a powerful symbol of conflict, an enduring motif in the theater of war. The act of siege carries with it a complex history, echoing through centuries of art. You see it re-enacted on ancient Roman reliefs, medieval tapestries, and even modern-day photography. It speaks to the human psyche, the will to conquer, and the anxiety of being confined. Think of the psychological weight of being trapped, the claustrophobia that permeates the besieged city, and the predatory tension of the besiegers. Across time, the imagery of conflict has served as a stage for power and survival. Just like in our dreams, these symbols are constantly evolving, yet the primal drama remains unchanged. Like a recurring dream, the scene is never really over.