Beleg van Den Bosch door Maurits, 1603 1603

This detailed engraving, made in 1603 by an anonymous artist, depicts Maurits’ siege of Den Bosch. It is more than just a map; it’s a snapshot of a society in conflict, reflecting the political and religious tensions of the time. The siege itself, part of the larger Eighty Years’ War, was a clash between the Dutch Republic and the Spanish Empire. But it was also a struggle for identity, as the Dutch fought for independence and religious freedom against the Catholic Spanish rulers. The print illustrates the city as a prize, surrounded by conflict and the heavy hand of colonial power, as the Dutch sought self-determination, challenging the status quo. The detailed rendering encourages an emotional connection, inviting us to reflect on the personal and collective cost of conflict. As we consider this image, we contemplate the legacies of colonialism and the enduring human quest for self-determination.