Verovering van Olinda in Brazilië door generaal Hendrick C. Loncq, 1630 1630

This engraving depicts the conquest of Olinda in Brazil by General Hendrick Loncq in 1630. It offers insight into the Dutch colonial aspirations during the 17th century. The image meticulously details the naval fleet and the landscape of Olinda, emphasizing the military precision and strategic planning involved in the invasion. Made in the Netherlands, this artwork reflects the country’s ambition to expand its mercantile empire across the Atlantic. The detailed depiction of ships and armaments speaks to the Dutch Republic's maritime power, which was enabled through institutions such as the Dutch East and West India Companies. This image is less a celebration of conquest and more a report on the activities of a new kind of institution: the corporation. To fully appreciate the artwork, one might consult historical records, maps, and military reports from the period. In doing so, we can understand the political and economic contexts that shaped the Dutch colonial project in Brazil.