Beleg en ontzet van Hüls, 1583 c. 1587 - 1591

This print, depicting the siege of Hüls, was made in 1583 by Frans Hogenberg. It’s an engraving, a printmaking technique where lines are incised into a metal plate, which then holds ink and transfers the image to paper. Hogenberg was a master of this craft. Note how he uses the precision of the engraved line to convey the chaos of battle. Look closely and you can see the textures of soldiers' uniforms, the glint of weapons, and the dense smoke. The fine detail allowed him to capture a panoramic view of the siege, filled with hundreds of tiny figures. Engraving, unlike painting or sculpture, is a reproductive medium. Prints like this one were relatively inexpensive and could be widely distributed. This made them ideal for disseminating news and propaganda during times of conflict. Consider the labor involved: from the skilled craftsman who engraved the plate, to the printers who produced multiple impressions, and the distributors who spread the image far and wide. This print is not just a work of art; it's a product of a complex system of production and consumption. It reminds us that even seemingly simple images can be deeply embedded in social and political contexts.