Allegorie op de landing van de Engelse en Nederlandse vloot bij Cadiz, 1702 1702

This engraving, made by Pieter van den Berge around 1702, commemorates the landing of the English and Dutch fleet at Cadiz. The composition is structured around symbolic elements, rendered in fine lines and contrasting shades. Notice the twin pillars at the center, adorned with banners and Latin inscriptions, flanked by the figures of a lion and a dog. The pillars are not just architectural features; they embody the strength and unity of England and Holland. Observe how the surrounding zodiac signs arch overhead, framing the scene. This celestial backdrop infuses the earthly event with cosmic significance, suggesting a divinely sanctioned triumph. The eagle and the maritime imagery, further reinforce themes of power and naval dominance. The print thus functions as a political statement, idealizing the alliance and its military achievements within a semiotic framework of symbols that would have resonated with its contemporary audience.