Ontzet van Arras, belegerd door de Spanjaarden (bovenste rij, plaat 1), 1654 1655

Nicolas Cochin created this print, "Relief of Arras, besieged by the Spanish" in 1654, an era defined by shifting political landscapes and military conflicts across Europe. The print illustrates the Dutch relief of Arras, which was then under Spanish siege, and presents a visual narrative deeply embedded in the power dynamics of the time. The imagery of the besieged city evokes questions about national identity and sovereignty. The artist uses symbols of power, such as military armaments, to emphasize themes of strength and defense. A portrait of a regal figure is presented at the top left. We feel the tensions between the desire for autonomy and the external forces seeking to undermine it. This print not only documents a historical event, but also invites us to reflect on how images shape perceptions and solidify narratives of power, resistance, and national pride.