The Stake, plate thirteen from The Large Miseries of War n.d.

Editor: This is *The Stake*, plate thirteen from *The Large Miseries of War*. It's an etching by Gerrit Lucasz van Schagen. There’s so much activity and destruction; the burning buildings really catch my eye. How do you interpret this work? Curator: This print compels us to consider the narratives of violence perpetuated throughout history. It is part of a series illustrating the horrors of war, aiming to expose its brutality. It clearly conveys the ways in which societal power structures enact violence on ordinary people. Note the systematic nature of the destruction; a church set ablaze, a group gathered at a stake. Editor: It's hard to miss the figures in the foreground actively participating in what seems like a gruesome scene. Is there a commentary here about who is responsible? Curator: Precisely. Van Schagen implicates not only the perpetrators directly involved but also the systems that enable such atrocities. Think about how power, often masked by religion or political ideology, can manipulate individuals into committing acts of violence. Do you think this work succeeds in conveying the far-reaching consequences of conflict? Editor: Definitely. The detailed depictions of both the chaos and the organized violence really bring home the human cost. I see how it connects to broader themes of injustice and resistance, too. Curator: I’m glad you see that, it reflects not just a historical moment but also a timeless critique against the dehumanizing effects of conflict. Editor: Looking at it this way definitely sheds light on its lasting relevance and encourages us to question similar dynamics in our world today. Thank you!