Allegorie op Staats-Vlaanderen 1705 - 1707

Curator: Well, this is "Allegory on States Flanders", an engraving created between 1705 and 1707 by Romeyn de Hooghe. You can currently find it at the Rijksmuseum. What do you think of it? Editor: Chaotic! But in a good way, like a theatrical production where everyone's vying for the spotlight. I’m drawn to the flurry of bodies and symbolic props, shields, banners… I imagine this was intended as a rousing call to action? Curator: Exactly. De Hooghe was quite skilled at producing propaganda material, especially during times of war. This allegory likely comments on States Flanders, a region with a complex history of conflict. Its message is quite nuanced considering the period in which it was conceived. Editor: Nuanced how? I see a fairly straightforward heroic scene... Or at least, what appears to be an attempt at heroism. Some of those folks on the bottom look decidedly less enthusiastic about the battle! Curator: Consider the setting—a constructed Roman landscape with those architectural fragments. And the lion fighting on the battlefield; this is less about historical accuracy and more about conjuring up grand narratives of power. The people here symbolize virtues, ideas, and perhaps specific figures connected to the political climate of the time. Editor: So it’s almost like a highly orchestrated photo op then, only rendered with impressive engraving skills? All that intricate detail, the way the light and shadow play…It feels very Baroque, very dramatic. Curator: It is. De Hooghe utilized baroque aesthetics quite deliberately. The drama, the exaggerated poses, all work to underscore a particular message: that Staats-Vlaanderen is worth fighting for and deserves to be seen in a glorious light. The choice of allegory places the regional conflict within an established understanding of grand battles of virtues that resonate even in modern times. Editor: Seeing this makes me want to dive into the historical context of this work and perhaps learn more about this De Hooghe person, but for now I'll just admire it from afar, as a battle on paper that encapsulates an enduring tale. Curator: A sentiment with which I wholly concur. Hopefully, that brings the nuances of the historical context and political message embedded within the artwork into clearer view.