Gezicht op de vesting Schenkenschans 1624 - 1652

Bonaventura Peeters I created this depiction of Schenkenschans, likely in the 1640s, using etching. Peeters worked during the Dutch Golden Age when the Netherlands was a major military and economic power, constantly at war. As such, the image performs a strategic function: it meticulously records the layout of this important fortress, which controlled access to the Rhine. It also visually articulates Dutch power through its comprehensive depiction of this militarized landscape. Images like these were crucial for shaping public opinion and bolstering national identity. This etching allows us to consider how geographical features of the Netherlands were transformed into defensive assets, influencing the outcome of military campaigns. Historical archives, military records, and contemporary accounts can shed further light on the context that shaped Peeters’ artistic choices in this etching. By situating this image within its historical context, we can better understand its function and meaning.