Schouwburg van den oorlog (blad XXX), ca. 1700-1710 Possibly 1700 - 1710

Curator: Here we have "Schouwburg van den oorlog (blad XXX)", made circa 1700-1710 by Pieter Schenk. It’s a drawing in ink on paper from the Rijksmuseum collection, depicting various cityscapes. Editor: At first glance, this piece strikes me as quite… calculated. There’s a definite sense of strategy and planning in the precise renderings of these cityscapes. The use of sepia ink gives the composition a feeling of looking into the past. Curator: Absolutely. These aren’t just any cityscapes; they’re fortifications. Schenk, working during a time of frequent European conflicts, offers a glimpse into the militaristic mindset shaping urban development. These drawings were very likely made during the Nine Years’ War. The baroque aesthetic is prevalent in the lines and meticulous detail with which the cities and surroundings were rendered. Editor: Indeed. You can almost feel the weight of power dynamics. Thinking about contemporary perspectives, I wonder what the social and economic consequences of such fortifications were on marginalized communities who were either displaced by their construction or excluded from accessing these spaces. I find it somewhat jarring. Curator: That is an important perspective, and it certainly brings light to overlooked voices. In studying these renderings it becomes clearer the extent to which these "star forts," shaped European urbanism. The star-shaped pattern wasn't merely decorative; it was a defensive strategy, carefully calculated to provide overlapping fields of fire. This created incredibly hostile environments, making it difficult for attackers to advance. Editor: So it’s literally designed for exclusion and the maintenance of power… It's a stark reminder of how art reflects and perpetuates existing systems. I keep thinking about how deeply concepts of security and defence shape both the physical landscape and collective psyche of a population. This image really encapsulates how deeply war is rooted in society. Curator: This artwork provides insight into military strategy during the period, while highlighting social implications. It allows us to reflect on how power operates within societal and aesthetic contexts. Editor: Definitely food for thought and a fascinating glimpse into the past… I'm intrigued to now see how we consider "war" from other lenses throughout time.