Slag bij Steenkerke, 1692 1693 - 1696

This is an anonymous print depicting the Battle of Steenkerke in 1692. Battle plans such as these were designed to inform the public about military events in the Dutch Republic. The visual codes are clear; orderly lines of troops and carefully labelled locations offer a sense of control over the chaos of war. The bird's-eye perspective flattens the landscape and the real human cost of battle is absent. It’s worth remembering that the print was made during the Nine Years' War, a period of intense conflict between France and a European coalition. The Dutch Republic, with its powerful print industry, played a key role in shaping public opinion during this period. Prints like this, disseminated through news pamphlets and public displays, helped to foster a sense of national identity and to legitimize the war effort. To truly understand this image, we can consult archives, period newspapers, and military records. These sources will help to reveal the complex interplay between art, politics, and society in the 17th century.