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

Romeyn de Hooghe created this illustration for Allain Manesson Mallet’s book, 'The Work of Mars'. Produced in the Netherlands, this etching presents a pentagonal fortress design, reflecting the era's fascination with military architecture. The image creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. Consider the social conditions that shaped its creation. The 17th century was a time of frequent conflict in Europe, with the Dutch Republic deeply involved in naval and land wars. The book served as a manual for military engineers and leaders, shaping the very landscape of power and control. This drawing, therefore, represents a political strategy. De Hooghe's illustration speaks to a society invested in the arts of war, in the power of strategic planning, and also reveals a culture of institutionalized violence. To fully appreciate this piece, we must consider its purpose and context, by researching period military manuals, the history of Dutch fortifications, and the political dynamics of the time. Only then can we understand its true significance as a product of its time.