Truchsess neemt Bonn in, 1582 c. 1582 - 1585

This engraving by Frans Hogenberg depicts the siege of Bonn in 1583, dominated by images of military power and siege warfare. Note the procession of soldiers on horseback, and boats crossing the river, mirroring a march of conquest. The horse, from antiquity to the Renaissance, has always symbolized power, nobility, and martial prowess. Consider the Roman equestrian statues, symbols of imperial authority. Here, the horse carries soldiers, who were agents of destruction, underscoring the devastating effects of war. In contrast to the city being approached by the army on horseback, boats overflowing with armed men sail across the river, mirroring the inexorable advance of Truchsess’s army toward Bonn. The representation of siege warfare evokes a primal, emotional reaction, tapping into collective memories of conflict, evoking a deep, almost subconscious sense of unease. This procession is not just an advance of troops; it’s a symbol that has recurred through history, re-emerging time and again.