Overtocht van Willem III naar Engeland, 1688, en bombardement van Brussel door de Fransen, 1695

Simon Fokke created this print, "Overtocht van Willem III naar Engeland, 1688, en bombardement van Brussel door de Fransen, 1695," sometime between 1712 and 1784 using etching. The print depicts two significant historical events of the late 17th century: the crossing of William III to England, which led to the Glorious Revolution, and the bombardment of Brussels by the French. These events occurred during a period of intense political and religious conflict in Europe. The print reflects the complex power dynamics of the time, marked by wars and shifting alliances. Fokke’s choice to depict these events together invites us to consider the interconnectedness of these historical moments. One captures a political and military maneuver, while the other shows the resulting violence inflicted upon a civilian population. The print serves as a visual record of the human cost of political ambition and military conflict. It reminds us of the emotional and physical trauma experienced by those caught in the crossfire.