Zeeslag bij Kaap la Hogue, 1692 1692

Pieter Schenk’s print depicts the naval Battle of La Hogue in 1692, showcasing a clash of ships amidst billowing smoke. Above this scene, a map unfolds, suggesting not just geographical space, but also strategic control and knowledge. Consider the ships, adorned with flags—symbols of national identity and pride, yet here emblems of conflict. These flags recall ancient military standards, like the Roman vexillum, each a focal point of loyalty and a target in battle. Similarly, the smoke, obscuring and chaotic, can be traced back to sacrificial offerings, where smoke signified communication with the divine—here, transformed into a sign of destruction and human struggle. The psychological impact of such naval scenes cannot be overlooked. The churning sea, a stage for human drama, mirrors the inner turmoil of those engaged in battle. The chaos of the scene evokes primal fears, engaging viewers on a subconscious level and reflecting how symbols evolve, carrying echoes of the past into new contexts.