Beleg van Castiglia op Malta 1665

Antonio Francesco Lucini created this print, "Beleg van Castiglia op Malta," likely in the late 17th or early 18th century. It depicts the siege and battery at Borgo and Castiglia, Malta. This print provides insight into the geopolitics of the Mediterranean during a time of conflict between the Ottoman Empire and European powers. Through Lucini's detailed engraving, we see not just a historical battle but also a narrative of cultural and religious clash. How did identity play a role? The Maltese, the Knights, the Ottomans—all had vested interests in this territory. This siege was more than a military engagement. It was a struggle over resources, power, and religious dominance. Consider the emotional weight of this image. The anticipation of conflict, the anxiety of a city under siege, and the human cost of war—all rendered visible through Lucini's hand. "Beleg van Castiglia op Malta" captures a moment in history, and asks us to reflect on what it means to defend one's home and identity.