Titelprent voor het eerste deel van Guerres de Flandres 1670 - 1699

Romeyn de Hooghe created this print as the frontispiece for the first volume of "Guerres de Flandres". The artwork reflects the socio-political climate of the 17th century, a period marked by extensive conflicts in the Spanish Netherlands. De Hooghe, a key figure in the Dutch Golden Age, often intertwined his art with the political events of his time. Here, the central figure could be Neptune, Roman god of the sea, symbolizing maritime power and control, themes pertinent to the Dutch Republic's interests. The depiction includes a mix of classical and allegorical figures, which were used to add layers of meaning, reflecting the then prevalent intellectual and cultural environment. There is an emotional contrast between the chaotic battle scenes above and the calmer figures below. This contrast encourages viewers to consider the human cost of the conflicts and the power dynamics at play. The print, while seemingly celebrating military history, also subtly critiques the impact of war on society, a sentiment that perhaps reflects the growing anti-war sentiments of the time.