Beleg van Rheinberg door keurvorst Ernst van Beieren, 1586 c. 1587 - 1591

This is Frans Hogenberg's "Siege of Rheinberg by Elector Ernst of Bavaria," an engraving from 1586. The intricate network of lines captures the siege, with the city of Rheinberg presented as a highly structured, fortified space. Hogenberg employs an aerial perspective, typical of cartographic depictions, to give an overview of the siege. The composition is divided into distinct zones: the city at the center, surrounded by water and siege lines, and the besieging forces in the foreground. This division creates a sense of order, yet the chaotic activity of the siege disrupts any sense of harmony, highlighting the violent intersection between order and disorder, culture and conflict. The texture created by the density and direction of the engraved lines serves to describe the landscape and architectural details. Hogenberg’s use of line and form emphasizes a world in conflict, suggesting the unstable nature of power and territory during the early modern period. The artwork invites us to consider how maps and images not only represent space but also construct and reinforce power dynamics.