Maurits neem de schans Sint-Andries in, 1600 1600 - 1602

Frans Hogenberg created this print around 1600, depicting Maurits' capture of the Sint-Andries fortress. Hogenberg's detailed engraving provides insight into the military strategies and technologies of the early modern period, but it also serves as a powerful statement about Dutch identity and sovereignty during the Eighty Years' War. This conflict was as much about religious and cultural identity as it was about political autonomy. Consider how this image may have been used as propaganda, aiming to solidify a sense of national pride and unity among the Dutch. The capture of Sint-Andries was strategically important, and this print immortalizes that victory. Yet, consider the human cost, the lives disrupted and lost in the pursuit of political and religious freedom. The image invites us to reflect on the complex interplay between power, identity, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are. It stands as a testament to a pivotal moment in Dutch history.