Ruïnes in de Bergstraat te Brussel, 1695 1695

Richard van Orley created this etching, ‘Ruins in the Bergstraat in Brussels’ in 1695. It depicts the aftermath of the bombardment of Brussels by French troops during the Nine Years' War. The image presents a scene of devastation and displacement and raises questions about the social and political ramifications of war. Van Orley made this print in the wake of a pivotal historical event. The bombardment of Brussels was a strategic act of violence, but it also targeted the city’s social and cultural fabric, including its religious institutions. Here, the ruins of the Chapel of Saint Anne become a stark reminder of the war’s impact on daily life. The print captures the immediate chaos and suffering, while subtly critiquing the political decisions that led to such destruction. To fully understand this artwork, researchers might explore period newspapers, military records, and personal accounts. This helps reveal the complex ways in which art reflects the social conditions of its time.