The Wheel, plate fourteen from The Large Miseries of War n.d.

Gerrit Lucasz van Schagen created this print, “The Wheel, plate fourteen from The Large Miseries of War,” sometime in the mid-17th century. The stark contrast between the dense crosshatching used to depict the crowd and the clean lines of the architectural elements creates a visually arresting scene. The composition is carefully structured, with the execution wheel serving as a brutal focal point, elevated above the throng. Van Schagen employs line and form to create a sense of chaotic energy, emphasizing the dehumanizing effect of war. The linear perspective draws the eye toward the background, where the imposing fortress looms, a silent witness to the carnage. This work challenges fixed meanings of justice and power, revealing the darker aspects of human conflict. Through his mastery of engraving, Van Schagen prompts us to reflect on the cyclical nature of violence and its enduring impact on society.