Ontzet van Steenwijk, 1581 c. 1581 - 1585

This engraving, made in 1581 by Frans Hogenberg, depicts the relief of Steenwijk. It gives us insights into the turbulent times of the early Dutch Republic. The image creates meaning through its visual codes, representing Steenwijk as a fortified city under siege. Hogenberg made this print in the context of the Eighty Years' War, a struggle for independence from Spanish rule. Consider how the specific features of that conflict might have influenced the artwork. The detailed depiction of military tactics and city fortifications reflects the importance of military technology and urban defense in that era. The work can be understood as propaganda meant to inspire patriotism. To gain a better understanding of this image, one can consult archives, period pamphlets, and other prints, revealing the complex social and institutional dynamics of the time. This underscores art’s role as something deeply rooted in its context.