Illustratie voor 'Den Arbeid van Mars' van Allain Manesson Mallet 1672

Romeyn de Hooghe created this illustration for Allain Manesson Mallet's book, 'The Labour of Mars'. In this Dutch print we see a combination of cartography and military science. From above, a geometric star shape demonstrates the ideal fortification of a city, while below we are shown a scene of mounted soldiers on the move. Dutch art in the 17th century was closely tied to the nation's economic and military power, and it's worth considering what role images such as this played in establishing Dutch hegemony at that time. Was it a celebration of technology? Or a not-so-subtle projection of power and a warning to its rivals? To better understand this image, one could consider the history of cartography or the Dutch military during this period. One could also research the status of the artist, Romeyn de Hooghe, and his relationship to the Dutch state.