Triomfwagen van de Oorlog 1578 - 1676

Hendrick Goltzius created this print, Triomfwagen van de Oorlog, or Triumph of War, using engraving techniques. The work visualizes the impact and implications of war during a period of religious and political conflict in Europe. At a glance, the chaotic energy is palpable, yet it’s important to remember the order of its creation. Goltzius, a Dutch printmaker, had to meticulously plan this scene in reverse on a copper plate. The scene illustrates a panoramic view filled with violence. We see the chariot of war pulled forward by personifications of destructive forces. In the background, a city burns, while innocent people are trampled underfoot. Goltzius grew up in a society that was shaped by war. His detailed depiction can be seen not only as an allegory, but also as a commentary on the very real human cost of conflict. This work invites us to confront the unsettling realities of war and consider its lasting impact on individuals and communities.