Inname van Rheinberg, 1590 1645 - 1647

Editor: Here we have "Inname van Rheinberg, 1590", an engraving made between 1645 and 1647 by Jacques Courtois, housed in the Rijksmuseum. It depicts quite a dramatic historical scene. All of the details and fine lines in this print are fascinating, though somewhat overwhelming to take in at first glance. How do you approach a piece like this? Curator: It's true, engravings of battles can be overwhelming! I’m immediately drawn to thinking about this piece as a record of a specific historical event and how it aimed to shape public perception. Look at the text above the scene; what purpose do you think it served? Editor: It seems to be a key to the image, referencing different groups involved. I see mentions of the English, Spanish, and others. Was this print intended as propaganda? Curator: Possibly. Prints like these, particularly when distributed widely, were certainly powerful tools for shaping public opinion about military conflicts. Rheinberg, located in a strategically important area, changed hands numerous times. Representing this “taking” in a positive light would have had significant political implications. Consider who would have commissioned and distributed such an image. Whose narrative is being promoted? Editor: So, understanding the patron is key to decoding the artwork’s message. Was Jacques Courtois typically creating pieces like this, or did he focus on a certain audience for prints such as these? Curator: That’s exactly right. Considering that Courtois later became known for his battle scenes – particularly after moving to Italy – this early work suggests the cultivation of a specific artistic direction, perhaps influenced by commissions connected to current affairs and the ever-shifting political landscape. Editor: This definitely reframes how I view the piece. It’s not just an illustration of a battle but a calculated statement. I never really considered art of this type to have a message, or an intention, that could sway people! Thanks! Curator: Exactly. Seeing art within the larger context of history, power, and its social functions can completely transform our interpretation.