Oorlog 1620s

This is an anonymous etching titled "Oorlog," created around 1595, now held at the Rijksmuseum. The print depicts a chaotic battle scene alongside a block of text. The Dutch title "Oorlog," meaning "War," places this work within the context of the tumultuous late 16th century. The Netherlands was then embroiled in the Eighty Years' War, a struggle for independence from Spanish rule. This conflict was about territorial control and a fight for religious and political autonomy. The text emphasizes the suffering and resilience of the Dutch people. The mention of both God and the House of Orange highlights the intertwining of religious and political allegiances during this period. The artist develops an alternative narrative by focusing on the impact of war on the common person. The print reflects the emotional and personal dimensions of the conflict. It serves as a potent reminder of the human cost of war and the enduring quest for freedom and self-determination.