De schipbrug in de Schelde, 1585 1649 - 1651

This anonymous engraving from 1585 depicts the failed attempt to destroy the ship bridge across the Schelde during the Siege of Antwerp. The image offers a window into the religious and political conflicts of the late 16th century in the Netherlands. Created during the Eighty Years' War, the engraving uses visual codes to portray the clash between the Spanish forces and the Dutch rebels. Antwerp, once a Protestant stronghold, was under siege by the Spanish. The ship bridge, a feat of engineering, was a symbol of Spanish control and a target for the rebels. The burning ships, explosions, and chaotic scenes of battle reflect the social and political upheaval of the time. To understand this image better, historians consult period documents, military records, and personal accounts. Through understanding the institutional and social contexts, we can interpret the artwork not just as a depiction of war, but as a commentary on power, resistance, and the human cost of conflict.