Inname van Tortona, 1706 1712 - 1715

Johann August Corvinus made this print, Inname van Tortona, in 1706 using etching as a means of production. The image depicts the capture of the city of Tortona, now in Italy, by the Habsburg-led coalition during the War of the Spanish Succession. Made in Germany, this print reflects a cultural interest in military events and dynastic power. Through meticulous detail and symbolic ornamentation, Corvinus elevates a contemporary military victory to the scale of myth. The surrounding ornamentation, with its cartouches, heraldic symbols, and allegorical figures, speaks to the institutions of power. The heavy detail reflects the visual culture of the Baroque era, and the value placed on intricacy and grandiosity. Understanding this print means looking at European power politics and the culture of printmaking in the early 18th century. Researching the history of the War of the Spanish Succession will further clarify the figures, locations, and symbols in the print.