's-Hertogenbosch tevergeefs belegerd door Maurits, 1603 1613 - 1615

This anonymous print from 1603 depicts the unsuccessful siege of 's-Hertogenbosch by Maurice of Nassau. As a bird’s eye view, the image presents a detailed plan of the city’s fortifications, the disposition of troops, and the surrounding landscape. Created during the Eighty Years' War, this print reflects the intense political and religious conflict between the Dutch Republic and Spanish Habsburgs. The siege itself was a key moment in this struggle for independence, where control of cities became a strategy. The map emphasizes the city's defenses, highlighting the strategic challenges faced by the besieging army. It also implicitly comments on the resilience and determination of the city's inhabitants. To fully understand this artwork, one might consult military records, political pamphlets, and personal accounts from the period to comprehend the complex motivations and experiences of those involved. Art, in this context, serves as a vital record of human conflict and resilience.