Afbraak van de citadel van Antwerpen, 1577 1613 - 1615

This etching, made in 1577 by an anonymous artist, depicts the demolition of the citadel of Antwerp. The act of tearing down the fortress, a symbol of oppressive rule, is rendered with striking visual symbolism. The image of destruction carries echoes of ancient iconoclasm, recalling the defacement of religious icons to liberate spiritual power. This motif reappears throughout history, from the French Revolution’s storming of the Bastille to more contemporary acts of defiance. The broken stones here take on a life of their own, mirroring the psychological drive to dismantle not just physical structures, but also entrenched systems of belief. The dismantling of this citadel represents a shift from oppression to freedom, echoing through generations. This collective memory of liberation and destructive urges speaks to a deeper, subconscious need for renewal. Each hammer blow is not just the sound of stone breaking, but a symbol of a culture purging itself.