Belegering van een stad 1674 - 1733

Jan van Huchtenburg etched this 'Siege of a City', capturing a moment of intense conflict. The raised baton held by the commander on horseback is a symbol of authority and command, harking back to ancient Roman military standards. Consider how similar batons appear in Renaissance paintings, not just as instruments of war but as scepters of power held by monarchs, evolving from symbols of military control to emblems of sovereign authority. The baton, therefore, is not merely a tool of war, but a potent signifier of leadership that transcends time and context. Interestingly, the chaos of battle contrasts with the almost serene backdrop of the besieged city, subtly evoking the psychological dichotomy between order and disorder, between the will to conquer and the desire for peace. This eternal push and pull resonates deeply, mirroring our own internal struggles. The power of the commander´s baton is in his resolve. A psychological desire to conquer, not only land but perhaps their own inner demons.