Tekstblad bij de kaart van het beleg van Thionville, 1643 1644

François Collignon created this text sheet to accompany a map of the siege of Thionville in 1643, employing engraving on laid paper. The sheet provides a detailed listing of the troops involved, revealing much about the social and political landscape of the time. Made in France, this document reflects the complex military strategies and social hierarchies of 17th-century warfare. The roll call of regiments and companies isn’t merely a list; it’s a snapshot of the feudal system in decline, where noble houses still commanded significant military power. It highlights the shift towards more centralized, state-controlled armies, underscored by the presence of royal guards and artillery units. Historians use sources like this to reconstruct the social fabric of the period, examining how military service was interwoven with social status, regional identity, and nascent national allegiances. The Rijksmuseum's holdings, combined with other archives, allow us to piece together a richer understanding of this historical moment.