Schouwburg van den oorlog (blad XXIII), 1722 1722

Leonard Schenk created this print titled 'Schouwburg van den oorlog (blad XXIII)' in 1722. This print, part of a series, offers a glimpse into the theater of war and diplomacy during the early 18th century. Born in Amsterdam, Schenk operated within a society shaped by complex colonial engagements, class divisions, and political maneuverings. Each scene functions as a snapshot of power, illustrating key historical events through a carefully curated lens, thus crafting a narrative of war that also includes elements of diplomacy. Consider how the images portray not just battles, but also royal entries and diplomatic meetings. They highlight how those in power maintained control and projected dominance, while those without power were overlooked. The detailed scenes and captions are reflective of the period’s fascination with recording and disseminating information about political events, but also reflect who had the access to these events and images.