Beleg van Neuss door Parma, 1586 c. 1587 - 1591

This engraving of the Siege of Neuss by Parma was created in 1586 by Frans Hogenberg. The image is dominated by a bird's-eye view of the besieged city, tightly encircled by besieging forces. Hogenberg's intricate composition invites us to consider how the city's layout and defenses are meticulously rendered with fine lines, contrasting with the looser, more chaotic depiction of the attacking army. This contrast underscores a sense of order versus disorder, civilization versus aggression. The almost diagrammatic quality reflects the period’s fascination with cartography and strategic planning. Note the use of linear perspective to flatten space, emphasizing the siege's spatial dynamics. The inscriptions and labels, integral to the image, function semiotically, guiding our understanding. Ultimately, the engraving serves not just as a historical record but as a visual text, inviting us to decode the spatial and symbolic relationships inherent in acts of conquest and resistance.