Placcaet ende Ordonnantie sConyncx ons Gheduchts Heere 1593

Jan van den Steene created this printed ordinance in Ghent in 1593 using letterpress. This was a time of intense religious and political conflict in the Low Countries, with the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule in full swing. The document outlines rules and disciplinary measures for soldiers, aiming to maintain order and control within the military. Issues of class and power are evident, as the ordinance dictates the behavior of soldiers and their interactions with the local population. It reflects the social hierarchy of the time and the power dynamics between the military and civilians. We get a sense of the emotional landscape of the era: fear, uncertainty, and the ever-present threat of violence. Van den Steene's work serves as a reminder of the complexities and contradictions inherent in times of conflict. It invites us to reflect on the human cost of war and the ways in which power structures shape individual lives.