Aftocht van het Spaanse leger 1583

Philips Galle made this print of the Spanish army in the late 16th century. It depicts the army in retreat, and we can consider the implications of the image as a form of propaganda. The print creates meaning through a variety of visual codes. The Spanish soldiers are shown in disarray, their horses struggling to cross the river. The text at the bottom of the print reinforces this image of defeat, describing the Spanish as "terrified." This was a time of great political upheaval in the Netherlands, as the Dutch were fighting for independence from Spain. Prints like this played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and galvanizing support for the Dutch cause. Galle was working in Antwerp, at a time when the city was a center of artistic and intellectual life. His prints were widely circulated and helped to shape the way people understood the events of the day. By studying the historical context in which prints like this were produced, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between art, politics, and society. Historians use resources like pamphlets, newspapers, and other visual materials, alongside institutional records, to understand the production and reception of art in its time.