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

This illustration of Arronches, a town in Portugal, was created by Romeyn de Hooghe as an illustration for 'Den Arbeid van Mars' or 'The labour of Mars'. Hooghe created this illustration during a period of significant military and political upheaval in Europe. His detailed, technical style, was sought after for his ability to capture the strategies of seige warfare. In the context of the 17th century, maps and cityscapes also carried a heavy ideological weight. They were not merely neutral depictions of geography but tools used to assert power and control over territory. Representations of cities often included fortifications and military installations, emphasizing strategic importance rather than the daily lives of its inhabitants. This image serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined art, power, and social control have been throughout history. It prompts us to think about the stories that maps and images tell, and the perspectives they often leave out.