Beleg van Poitiers, 1569 c. 1569 - 1571

Frans Hogenberg made this print of the Siege of Poitiers in 1569. It offers a bird’s-eye view of the city under attack, a visual language that connected it to wider social and cultural contexts of military action. The image creates meaning through its depiction of warfare, deeply embedded in the culture of 16th-century Europe. The print shows us not just a battle, but the social conditions that shape the very production of images. Consider how the geography of Poitiers, with its rivers and hills, influences the strategies of siege warfare depicted here. Hogenberg’s print is not neutral; it reflects the political tensions of its time, particularly the conflict between Catholics and Protestants. These events shaped not only the physical landscape of Europe but also its visual culture. As historians, our task is to delve deeper, using sources like military records, personal letters, and other prints to understand the siege's broader implications. Art like this reminds us that its meaning is always contingent on its social and institutional context.