Overtocht van de Schelde door de Geallieerden, 1708 1712 - 1715

"Overtocht van de Schelde door de Geallieerden" was made in 1708 by Johann August Corvinus and depicts the crossing of the Scheldt river by allied forces. It's an engraving, a medium that democratized image distribution at the time. This piece offers a glimpse into the representation of military power and alliance in the early 18th century. The ornate border around the central image isn't mere decoration; it frames and legitimizes the depicted event, embedding it within a visual language of power and authority. The figures and symbolic elements—likely representing various nations or military units—speak to the period's intricate political alliances. Consider what it meant to depict such a crossing during a time of frequent conflict and shifting allegiances. Whose perspective is prioritized here? How does the engraving serve to communicate power, document history, and shape public opinion? The engraving invites us to consider the complex interplay between art, politics, and identity during a pivotal moment in European history, and reflect on the human cost of these grand displays of power.