Barcelona onderwerpt zich aan koning Karel III, 1705 1707 - 1720

Pieter Schenk created this print titled 'Barcelona onderwerpt zich aan koning Karel III, 1705', sometime around 1705. It depicts the city of Barcelona surrendering to King Charles III. This image exists within the context of the War of the Spanish Succession, a conflict rooted in questions of identity, power, and who gets to claim the throne. Notice how the artist emphasizes military might and political dominance through the imposing ships and strategic layout of the city's defenses. Yet this representation of power masks the personal stories of the Catalans, caught between loyalty to their region and submission to a new king. The text surrounding the image references Barcelona's history, including its capture from the French. Ultimately, Schenk's print invites us to reflect on the complex relationship between rulers and the ruled, between historical narratives and individual experiences. It reminds us that behind every map, every political event, there are human stories waiting to be told.