Slag bij Lepanto, 1571 1670 - 1699

This etching by Romeyn de Hooghe depicts the Battle of Lepanto in 1571. It was made in the Netherlands nearly a century after the actual naval battle. As a historical depiction, it is interesting to consider how de Hooghe interpreted this historical event through the lens of his own time. The Battle of Lepanto was a significant moment in European history, marking a major naval victory for the Holy League against the Ottoman Empire. Understanding the religious and political tensions of 16th and 17th-century Europe is crucial for interpreting this image. The battle itself was framed as a Christian victory against the expansion of the Ottoman Empire into Europe. How might the artist’s own Protestant background influence the visual codes used to depict this scene? By researching historical documents, religious texts, and political treatises, we can gain a deeper understanding of how de Hooghe’s work reflects the complex interplay of power, religion, and national identity in early modern Europe.