Slag bij Fribourg (linkerdeel) 1644 - 1686

Editor: Here we have Nicolas Cochin’s print, "Slag bij Fribourg (linkerdeel)", made sometime between 1644 and 1686. It’s a highly detailed engraving. I'm immediately struck by its almost cartographic quality; the way the landscape is depicted is really interesting. How do you interpret the symbols in this work? Curator: Notice how the map-like depiction blends with the drama of a historical narrative. Battles, especially successful ones, were often rendered not just as events, but as symbolic territories claimed. What do you see in the very act of mapping a battle? Editor: It’s like claiming ownership, almost a visual conquest? Like, ‘We were here, we won here.’ Curator: Precisely! The strategic arrangement of troops isn't just about warfare; it's about asserting control over space and, by extension, time and memory. Consider the fleur-de-lis, subtly framing the scene. What does that evoke? Editor: Royalty, French power, a claim to authority...It’s interesting how even the folds of fabric become part of that assertion. Curator: Absolutely. These aren't mere embellishments; they’re visual cues, steeped in cultural significance. Think about how these images reinforced the power of the monarchy. What stories were they telling, and who were they designed to impress? Editor: So it’s less about the actual battle and more about constructing a certain image of power? I hadn’t considered how deeply embedded symbols could be in what seems like a straightforward historical depiction. Curator: The lines between history, propaganda, and art often blur. This print is a powerful example of how symbols work to shape our understanding of events and solidify cultural memory.