Wapentrofee met trommels 1572

This engraving, *Wapentrofee met trommels*, was created by Johannes or Lucas van Doetechum. Created in a time of significant social and political upheaval, it presents a martial trophy featuring drums, horns, spears, and swords. The imagery evokes the ever-present themes of military might and social order. The drums and horns, traditionally used to rally troops and announce victory, are not merely instruments but symbols of power. They speak to the sounds of conflict and the orchestration of social hierarchy, reminding us of the role of the army in early modern society. The spears and swords, emblems of defense and aggression, further highlight the period's concern with territorial disputes and the maintenance of authority. The van Doetechums were part of a cultural milieu that glorified military strength. But what does it mean to aestheticize violence? What does it mean to turn these instruments into art? This engraving prompts us to consider the complex relationship between violence, representation, and the construction of identity in the early modern world.