Schouwburg van den oorlog (blad XIX), 1718

Leonard Schenk created this print titled 'Schouwburg van den oorlog', or 'Theater of War', in 1718. It offers a glimpse into the early 18th century, a period marked by dynastic conflicts and shifting European power dynamics. The print visualizes contemporary battles and treaties. Schenk presents war as a spectacle, not shying away from depicting scenes of naval combat and battlefield carnage. These violent tableaus are juxtaposed with scenes of diplomacy and royal processions, creating a stark contrast between the theater of war and the ceremonies of power. How do we reconcile such brutality with the rituals of state? Schenk’s work invites us to reflect on the social and political structures that normalized violence as a tool of governance. The imagery suggests a world where power is negotiated through both military might and ceremonial display. While viewing this, consider the human cost behind these grand displays of power. What emotions do these images evoke in you?