Spotprent op de verliezen van de Spanjaarden tijdens de veldtocht van Maurits in 1597 1597 - 1599

This print, made by an anonymous artist around 1597, depicts the Spanish losses during Maurits’ campaign. The piece is a powerful visual and textual commentary on the shifting political and religious landscape of the Dutch Golden Age. The upper half shows two scenes: on the left, Spanish troops are routed, some drowning in a river, symbolizing defeat and chaos. On the right, a formal gathering represents a council or negotiation, perhaps signifying the transfer of power. Below, a dense block of text, likely a poem or song, adds another layer to the print. The script emphasizes the emotional weight of loss and the anticipation of a new order. This work reflects the intersection of military conflict and religious identity during a pivotal time in Dutch history. It captures the anxieties, hopes, and cultural pride that defined the era, offering a glimpse into the human experience of war and political upheaval.