Sardinië veroverd in naam van Karel III, 1708 1712 - 1715

This is Johann August Corvinus's 1708 print, "Sardinië veroverd in naam van Karel III," created using etching. It depicts the conquest of Sardinia, a significant event in the War of the Spanish Succession. The print's visual codes offer insight into early 18th-century European power dynamics. The central image shows the landing of troops and naval ships, emphasizing military might. Ornate borders with symbolic elements frame this, reflecting the self-conscious grandeur of the era and the role of art as propaganda. Made in the Netherlands, this work highlights the Dutch Republic's involvement in European politics and its sophisticated print culture. This image serves as a window into the political landscape of the time, subtly commenting on the shifting alliances and power struggles. By examining period documents, we gain a deeper understanding of the institutional forces at play and how art was used to legitimize political actions. The meaning of this artwork is contingent on its socio-political and institutional context.