Inname van Grave door Parma, 1586 c. 1587 - 1591

This engraving by Frans Hogenberg depicts the siege of Grave in 1586. Notice the stark contrast between the rigid, geometric layout of the town and the chaotic swirl of battle surrounding it. Consider the recurring motif of conflict: here, it manifests as warfare, but it echoes through history in countless forms. From ancient gladiatorial combats to the religious wars, this image resonates with the primal, deeply ingrained human impulse towards struggle and conquest. Think of how the Roman war god Mars was appropriated over time, eventually becoming a symbol of power and authority. The depiction of this battle does not simply show a historical event, it taps into a collective memory of human conflict, triggering subconscious associations with past struggles. By doing so, the image becomes a potent symbol, engaging viewers on a profoundly emotional level, and reflecting the cyclical, recurring nature of history itself.