Slag bij Nieuwpoort, 1600 1725 - 1784

Simon Fokke's etching, "Slag bij Nieuwpoort, 1600," now at the Rijksmuseum, transports us back to a pivotal moment in Dutch history. Fokke created this piece in the 18th century, looking back at the Battle of Nieuwpoort during the Eighty Years' War when the Dutch fought for independence from Spain. The print captures the chaos and intensity of battle. Swirling smoke obscures a landscape filled with soldiers, ships, and weaponry. Fokke, living in a time of evolving national identity, reflects on this historical conflict, which ultimately shaped the Dutch Republic. As we observe this scene, consider the narratives that often go unacknowledged in depictions of war. The stories of the women left behind, the marginalized communities caught in the crossfire, and the human cost of conflict, beyond the battlefield glory. Fokke's etching serves as a reminder to reflect on how historical events impact diverse communities and individual lives.