Slag bij Almansa 1707 - 1720

Pieter Schenk produced this print of The Battle of Almansa sometime around the turn of the 18th century. It depicts a scene from the War of Spanish Succession, a conflict fought between the major European powers over who would inherit the Spanish throne. The image creates meaning through its composition, contrasting the chaotic battle with the fallen soldiers in the foreground, perhaps commenting on the brutal realities of warfare. Made in the Netherlands, a nation with a rich history of maritime power and commerce, this print reflects the Dutch Republic's involvement in European power struggles. The print may also be seen as a reflection on the changing dynamics of European politics and the rise of new military powers. To better understand this work, historians consult a range of sources, from military histories to political pamphlets, to trace the changing dynamics of power in the early modern period.