Stadsbestorming 1574

Christoffel van Sichem I's "Stadsbestorming" (1574) is a detailed, yet small, woodcut depicting a chaotic scene of a city siege. The print, now in the Rijksmuseum, captures the intensity of the moment with soldiers clashing at the city gate. The artist's skill is evident in the rendering of individual figures, armor, weapons, and the architectural details of the city. The use of cross-hatching creates a sense of depth and movement in the scene, highlighting the dynamism of the battle. This work provides a glimpse into the realities of warfare in the 16th century and van Sichem's mastery of the woodcut medium.