Slag bij Drogheda aan de Boyne, 1 juli 1690 (rechter blad) 1690

Dirk Maas created this print depicting the Battle of the Boyne on July 1, 1690. Produced after the event, the image functions as a commemorative record and a piece of political propaganda. At stake in this battle was the English throne and, more broadly, the religious and political future of the British Isles. On one side, the Protestant William of Orange, and on the other, the Catholic King James. What is fascinating here is how Maas, a Dutch artist, visualizes this pivotal moment in Irish history. The way he orients the scene, with William's forces advancing and James's troops in disarray, positions the viewer to align with the victors. The print not only documents a military engagement but also reveals the complex layers of identity and allegiance. Consider how the depiction of conflict is shaped by the artist's own cultural background and political leanings. This print invites us to reflect on whose perspectives are immortalized in historical narratives and how these perspectives influence our understanding of the past.