De Staatse en Spaanse legers staan tegenover elkaar op het strand bij Nieuwpoort (linkerblad), 1600 1600

This is a print made around 1600 by Floris Balthasarsz van Berckenrode, showing the Dutch and Spanish armies facing each other at the Battle of Nieuwpoort. The detailed, almost diagrammatic composition immediately draws you into the visualization of military strategy. Notice how Berckenrode uses the stark contrast of light and shadow to define the rigid formations of soldiers, cannons, and cavalry. The repetition of shapes—squares for infantry, lines for marching formations—creates a sense of order, but also hints at the potential chaos of battle. This structured layout speaks to the period's interest in portraying conflict not just as a clash of arms, but as a calculated deployment of forces. The linear perspective flattens the scene, emphasizing the spatial relationships between the armies rather than depth. This technique invites a reading of the print as a symbolic representation of power, where each element functions within a complex system of signs and military doctrine. The inscription above, like a title, frames the entire scene within a specific political and military context. This print serves as both historical record and strategic communication.