Rouen door de hertog van Parma ontzet, 1592 1592 - 1594

This engraving, made by Frans Hogenberg in 1592, captures the 16th-century siege of Rouen with a striking bird's-eye view. Its dynamic composition emphasizes the city's vulnerability. See how the tight, circular layout of Rouen is contrasted with the landscape and the attacking forces. This spatial arrangement isn't merely descriptive; it’s a symbolic encoding of power dynamics. The city, a dense concentration of human activity, is encircled by organized lines of soldiers. Note also how the formal lines and patterns create meaning. The linear precision used to render the troops and fortifications seems to convey a sense of order and control, while the topographic elements suggest natural barriers and strategic advantages. Hogenberg’s work provides an instance of graphic representation employed to frame geopolitical narratives during periods of conflict. This engraving goes beyond documentation, becoming a visual argument about the nature of siege warfare and territorial struggle.