Slag bij Engelen, 1587 c. 1587 - 1591

Frans Hogenberg's engraving depicts the Battle of Engelen in 1587, capturing a pivotal clash between Dutch and Spanish forces. The river, a dominant visual element, symbolizes division and conflict, but also the flow of history. Battles, as depicted here, are laden with symbols of power, chaos, and human struggle. The formations of soldiers echo ancient Roman battle arrays, while the weaponry and siege engines reflect a modern, evolving form of warfare. These motifs speak to a collective memory of conflict, a recurring drama played out across centuries. Consider the raised swords and charging figures, gestures that evoke both heroism and the brutal reality of war. The imagery of warfare, with its blend of order and chaos, resonates deeply within us, triggering primal fears and fascination. The visual echoes in this battle scene remind us of the cyclical nature of history, where the past continually shapes the present.