Inname van Ulm, 1704 1712 - 1715

This is Johann August Corvinus's "Inname van Ulm, 1704," a print made in Germany. It depicts the capture of Ulm during the War of the Spanish Succession. But it also speaks to the role of printed imagery in shaping public opinion about such events. Consider how this image operates as a form of propaganda, designed to celebrate military victory and legitimize political power. The elaborate framing, complete with allegorical figures and detailed text, elevates the event to a heroic level. It's not just a depiction of a battle, but a carefully constructed narrative meant to instill pride and loyalty. To understand this artwork fully, we must look at the broader context of 18th-century European politics, the role of the Holy Roman Empire, and the dynamics of courtly patronage. Researching the history of printmaking and its use in disseminating news and shaping public perception would also shed light on its cultural significance.