Aanval van de Franse op de linie bij Stollhofen, 1703 1703

This is an engraving titled "Attack by the French on the lines at Stollhofen, 1703," created by an anonymous artist. The monochromatic hatching and stippling define the topographic features of the landscape. The composition is structured around the implied lines of military engagement, with the linear fortifications sharply contrasting the natural forms of rivers and mountains. The starkness of the engraved lines evokes a sense of rigid order imposed on the chaotic landscape of war. This piece functions as a visual sign system; each mark carries information, meticulously mapping the terrain and military positions. The engraving thus reflects the Enlightenment’s drive to codify and control nature through reason and representation. It's a calculated interplay between the aesthetic and the functional, where the map becomes a medium for strategic communication.