Jacoba van Beieren stelt zich aan het hoofd van de Hoeken, ca. 1430 1787

Curator: Harmanus Vinkeles produced this engraving around 1787. It’s titled "Jacoba van Beieren stelt zich aan het hoofd van de Hoeken," which translates to "Jacoba of Bavaria places herself at the head of the Hoeken." Editor: The first thing I notice is its dynamism. Even though it's an engraving, there’s an incredible sense of movement. The diagonal lines, the rearing horse, it all pulls the eye across the scene of conflict. Curator: Precisely. Vinkeles captures Jacoba's assertive character perfectly. Placing herself at the head is less of a factual illustration and more symbolic. She embodies defiance and leadership during a turbulent period. Her upraised sword shows a clear call to action. Editor: Note the contrasts. Jacoba’s elegant attire and bearing stands out dramatically against the grittiness of battle. It's a brilliant formal device. That sartorial incongruity elevates her, making her less a participant and more a figure of legend. The lighting emphasizes her as well, lifting her visually away from the chaos around her. Curator: Right. And if we look closer, the symbols deepen. The flag, those many armed men, but also her headdress which could represent feminine strength, perhaps signaling defiance. Jacoba’s rise becomes about cultural memories, reminding us that courage and power reside across all parts of a nation. The history paintings of the Baroque period loved exploring these moments. Editor: What strikes me is how this battle almost recedes in importance, functioning mainly to support the powerful upward vector leading directly to Jacoba herself. It is visually so striking and emotionally manipulative, pushing her heroism through to the foreground and background both. I almost wish Vinkeles had used a higher contrast set of strokes to set her out, even further, from the carnage around her! Curator: Agreed. It makes you wonder how collective memory shapes even simple engravings like this. I never expected this image to reveal such insights into art and historical memory when I walked over today. Editor: Indeed. Now I see the power held not just in narrative, but within line, light, and shadow as well. Intriguing indeed!