Spaanse Furie in Antwerpen: moord in de straten, 1576 1588

This print, made by Frans Hogenberg around 1576, captures the "Spanish Fury" in Antwerp with stark lines and a chaotic composition. The scene’s architecture, rendered in muted blues and browns, provides a rigid frame for the violence erupting within. Notice how the artist uses linear perspective to draw the eye into the depths of the conflict. The use of line is particularly effective; sharply defining the figures and buildings. The texture of the cobblestone streets contrasts with the smooth, flat planes of the buildings, enhancing the sense of depth. The semiotic system at play here presents a clear narrative: the disarray and brutality reflect a breakdown of social order. The print’s structure invites us to consider how violence destabilizes established meanings, challenging viewers to confront the raw realities of war.