Inname van Doornik, 1581 1647

Giacinto Gimignani created this print called 'Inname van Doornik, 1581'. It depicts the siege of Tournai using etching. Images like this one played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and national identity, especially in a time of conflict between the Dutch Republic and the Spanish Empire. This was a period when the printing press allowed for the mass distribution of propaganda. It was a tool to influence sentiment about political events. Here, the artist uses visual codes to glorify military prowess and legitimize political power. The detailed depiction of battle scenes conveys a sense of drama. Also, look at the clear visual cues that were used to depict the chain of command! As historians, we can access archives and period publications to better understand the social and institutional context that gave meaning to an artwork like this one. The image’s meaning is contingent on the political struggles it was designed to address.