Messinas undsætning (Messine Secourue) 1703 - 1717

Johanna Sibylla Küsel created this engraving titled "Messinas undsætning" sometime in the late 17th or early 18th century. It depicts a naval battle, a scene of power and conflict that was typically the domain of male artists. Küsel, as a woman artist in a patriarchal society, would have navigated significant challenges to practice her art. Her identity as a woman might have shaped her perspective, perhaps leading to a nuanced depiction of war that goes beyond mere heroic glorification. This print captures a moment in the Franco-Dutch War when Messina was under siege. As you look at the image consider the countless, often nameless individuals whose lives were impacted by such conflicts. The ships, the smoke, the distant city – all speak to larger themes of political ambition and human resilience in the face of adversity. This piece transforms the grand narrative of war into an intimate reflection on power, survival, and the stories often left untold.