Illustratie voor 'Den Arbeid van Mars' van Allain Manesson Mallet 1672

This illustration of 'The Labour of Mars' was made by Romeyn de Hooghe, a Dutch artist active in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, a period marked by significant political and military upheaval in Europe. De Hooghe’s detailed rendering offers more than just a layout; it presents a complex intersection of power, knowledge, and representation. The aerial perspective, combined with the detailed depiction of the Bastille, invites a particular kind of gaze, one that is both detached and controlling. This relates directly to the identities and power dynamics of the time. France was in the midst of solidifying its authority under Louis XIV, and images like these served to reinforce ideas of French military might. Consider how the precision of the lines and the geometric layout speak to a desire for order and control. This piece encourages us to think about the relationship between military power and societal control, and how they intersect with the individual's place within such structures.