Beleg van het kasteel van Wouw bij Bergen op Zoom, 1583 1613 - 1615

This print, made in 1583 by an anonymous artist, captures the siege of Wouw castle near Bergen op Zoom. It’s etched in ink on paper, a relatively reproducible medium even at that time. The material itself – paper and ink – speaks to the rise of print culture. This was a pivotal moment when images could circulate widely, shaping public opinion and documenting historical events. Notice the level of detail achieved through the etching technique; the artist meticulously renders the castle fortifications, the besieging army, and even puffs of smoke from the cannons. This level of detail not only provides a visual record but also emphasizes the scale and intensity of the siege. Prints like this served a crucial purpose: disseminating news and propaganda during a time of conflict. The medium itself, with its capacity for mass production, democratized access to information, influencing perceptions of war and power in early modern Europe.