Parma belegert Bergen op Zoom, 1588 1600 - 1651

This is Bartholomeus Willemsz. Dolendo’s engraving, "Parma besieges Bergen op Zoom, 1588." It’s a bird’s eye view of the siege, capturing a pivotal moment in the Eighty Years' War, when the Dutch fought for independence from Spanish rule. Dolendo's work reflects the political and cultural tensions of his time. As a Dutch artist, he was deeply embedded in a society grappling with issues of national identity and resistance against foreign domination. Look closely, and you'll see how the artist depicts the landscape and city as spaces of conflict and resilience. The detailed rendering of military formations, fortifications, and naval engagements highlight the human drama unfolding. Consider what it meant to represent war during this period. Visual depictions not only documented events, but also shaped public opinion and contributed to the construction of national narratives. How might this image have influenced viewers' perceptions of the conflict and their own place within it? The engraving serves as both a historical document and a powerful statement about the struggle for freedom.