Inname van Lier door verraad, 1582 1613 - 1615

This print, made in 1582 by an anonymous artist, depicts the Capture of Lier through Betrayal. The image offers us a window into the tumultuous period of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. We see the city of Lier under siege, its walls breached, and conflict unfolding within. The composition employs a bird's-eye view, a common visual strategy in early modern printmaking, offering a comprehensive, almost documentary perspective of the event. Text accompanies the image to condemn the "malcontents" for their cruelty and treachery. This print is more than just a depiction of a military event; it's a piece of propaganda, shaping public opinion during a time of intense political and religious conflict. To truly understand this image, we might delve into the archives of the period, examining pamphlets, letters, and official documents that shed light on the complexities of the Dutch Revolt and the politics of imagery in the 16th century.