Teksten bij de prent van het beleg van Hulst door Frederik Hendrik, 1645 1645

This printed text, now held at the Rijksmuseum, was produced anonymously in 1645. It describes the siege of Hulst by Prince Frederik Hendrik. Such texts were instrumental in shaping public opinion and national identity during the Dutch Golden Age. They served as a form of propaganda, glorifying military achievements and reinforcing the power of the ruling class. This text reflects the gendered nature of warfare. While the siege itself was undoubtedly a male-dominated event, consider the roles that women played in the broader context of war. How might their experiences be included in this historical record? The focus on a heroic, male figure excludes other perspectives. These texts are artifacts of a society grappling with its identity and place in the world. They prompt us to consider the power of narrative and the importance of including diverse voices in the telling of history.