Illustratie voor 'Den Arbeid van Mars' van Allain Manesson Mallet 1672

This is an illustration made by Romeyn de Hooghe, a Dutch artist, for ‘The Works of Mars’ by Allain Manesson Mallet. The image shows us how to build according to Dutch "Dogen" or "Doges". Produced in the late 17th century, this image encapsulates the Dutch Republic's preoccupation with military engineering. The geometric diagram illustrates the construction of fortifications, reflecting the era's emphasis on strategic defense. Note that, while these are instructions for building like the Dutch, the text is in both Dutch and French, signalling the importance of the dissemination of such knowledge throughout Europe. The lower scene depicts a fortified landscape with a bridge and towers, evoking a sense of controlled space. To fully understand this image, one must consider the historical context of the Dutch Golden Age, which was marked by extensive urbanization and military conflicts. By consulting architectural treatises and military records, we can better appreciate the social and institutional forces that shaped the production and reception of such images.