Afschrift van het opschrift boven de portretten van Albrecht en Isabella met Mendoza voor het slagveld bij Nieuwpoort, 1600 1863 - 1881

This inscription was made by Lambert Cornelisz, sometime between 1593 and 1621. It refers to portraits of Archduke Albert, Isabella Clara Eugenia, and Mendoza before the Battle of Nieuwpoort in 1600. This text offers a window into the complex power dynamics of the Dutch Revolt. Albert and Isabella, as rulers of the Spanish Netherlands, sought to quash the rebellion. The presence of Mendoza suggests the military might they brought to bear. However, the Battle of Nieuwpoort was a resounding victory for the Dutch, a key moment in their struggle for independence. Inscriptions like this, displayed alongside portraits, played a crucial role in shaping public perception. They served as propaganda, reinforcing the authority of rulers or, as in this case perhaps, reminding the Dutch of their hard-won freedom. Understanding this inscription requires historical research into the figures it depicts, the Battle of Nieuwpoort, and the broader context of the Dutch Revolt. Only then can we fully appreciate its significance as a historical and cultural artifact.