Schouwburg van den oorlog (blad XIII), 1712 Possibly 1712 - 1722

Pieter Schenk created this print titled ‘Schouwburg van den oorlog’ around 1712. The scenes here capture a tumultuous period in European history, marked by conflicts and power struggles. Reflecting on these scenes of conflict and negotiation, I'm struck by the absence of women in positions of power. Historically, women have often been excluded from the spheres of military and political decision-making, their voices and experiences marginalized in narratives of war and peace. How might the dynamics of these historical events have shifted if women had been included in the negotiations and strategies depicted here? Whose perspectives are missing from this rendering of history? Schenk's print serves as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of striving for peaceful resolutions to conflict. It encourages us to consider the stories and experiences of those who have been historically excluded from such narratives.