Beleg van Bergen op Zoom door Spinola, 1622 1622 - 1624

Frans Hogenberg created this print, "Beleg van Bergen op Zoom door Spinola," sometime before his death in 1590, capturing the siege of Bergen op Zoom. The map offers an intricate aerial view of the military conflict, reflecting the tense political and religious atmosphere of the Dutch Revolt. The print is more than just a geographic record; it's a cultural artifact that tells a story about identity and power. The detailed depiction of battle strategies and troop movements can be seen as a commentary on the human cost of war, and the struggle for autonomy in the face of imperial ambitions. Hogenberg’s work allows us to emotionally connect with a pivotal moment in Dutch history. By exploring how such conflicts shape a nation's identity, this piece invites reflection on the enduring impact of political struggles on personal and collective experiences.