Guise verovert Marseille, 1596 1596 - 1598

Curator: So much is happening at once in this 1596 print! It's an engraving titled "Guise verovert Marseille," or "Guise Conquers Marseille," attributed to Frans Hogenberg. Editor: Wow, that's a mouthful! Honestly, my first impression is controlled chaos. It's all so intricately detailed, but also feels like a bustling hive—the city looks under siege, and that single perspective feels quite odd, like looking at everything all at once. Curator: Precisely. This print is both a cityscape and a history painting, documenting the Duke of Guise's capture of Marseille in 1596. These prints circulated widely, aiming to inform and shape public opinion regarding current events. Editor: "Shape public opinion," yes, like the nightly news. The high vantage point turns people into ants but focuses attention onto the invaders with a bit more, I don't know, is 'heroism' the right word? Look at how those troops swarm over the ramparts, they seem to almost enjoy that climb. Curator: That's astute. These prints often amplified or demonized particular players. Hogenberg’s choice to include text beneath the image serves a similar didactic purpose, narrating events with his specific interpretations. Think of it as propaganda and social commentary packaged as visual news. Editor: Propaganda doesn’t always work if it isn't a great print to begin with! I imagine Hogenberg labored for long periods in crafting all that visual information; it gives us a real feel for Marseille at that historical moment. To witness the energy and movement that's still here four centuries later makes me imagine him being driven to do this work to create a moment beyond the times. Curator: And those etchings and engravings like this give insight into the turbulent political landscape of the late 16th century, a time of religious wars and shifting alliances. They helped solidify certain viewpoints for a broad audience. Editor: It's fascinating how one artist with their singular point of view can shift perception... Curator: … Or reinforce it. It’s often both. Editor: In either case, it makes for an exceptional piece that's way more interesting that what they say in today's news!