Overval op Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, 1592 1591 - 1593

This engraving, made in 1592 depicts "Overval op Saint-Valery-sur-Somme" (Assault on Saint-Valery-sur-Somme). The image creates meaning through specific visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations tied to the religious conflicts in Europe at the time. Made in the Netherlands, during a period of intense struggle for independence from Spanish rule, the artwork reflects the social conditions of constant warfare and political instability. This piece likely served as a form of propaganda, portraying a specific event in a way that would influence public opinion and bolster support for the Dutch cause. The detailed depiction of the assault, with its chaotic scenes of violence, would have resonated strongly with a public living through similar experiences. As historians, we use resources like period documents, political pamphlets, and other visual materials to understand the full context of this work. Only then can we appreciate the complex interplay between art, society, and the institutions that shape them.