Standbeeld van de hertog van Alva, 1571 1728 - 1730

This print of a statue of the Duke of Alva was made by an anonymous artist in 1571. It's an engraving, a medium that allowed for the wide distribution of political imagery in the 16th century. Here, Alva is depicted as a triumphant military leader, standing on the backs of subjugated figures. This imagery serves as propaganda, reinforcing Spanish authority during a time of intense conflict in the Netherlands. It speaks volumes about the politics of imagery and the public role of art, presenting a very specific and self-serving view of Alva's actions. The statue and print served to cement Alva’s image in the public eye, showing a powerful figure who was instrumental in the Eighty Years' War. Studying sources like pamphlets, letters, and official records helps to illuminate the social conditions that shaped the production of this print and how the image of Alva has been shaped in cultural memory. These resources help us understand the complex interplay between art, power, and history.