Frankrijk en Spanje beklagen hun verliezen, 1706 1706

Curator: Editor: Let's have a look at this artwork called “Frankrijk en Spanje beklagen hun verliezen”, or “France and Spain Lamenting their Losses” made around 1706. It looks like an engraving or a print. It gives off a strong political vibe. What strikes you most about it? Curator: The first thing that catches my eye is the contrast. We have these two figures, presumably personifications of France and Spain. One looks almost like a town crier, while the other has this extravagant headdress, almost clownish in its extravagance. I wonder what was the historical context, and who created this visual language to mock their rivals? Editor: It seems that France and Spain suffered great losses on the battlefields. The text… the writing seems to name specific places in Flanders, modern day Belgium? Was this during the War of the Spanish Succession maybe? Curator: Precisely. Think of it as propaganda – raw political commentary. See how the dog is barking and possibly biting at Spain’s heels? That could be symbolic, hinting at unrest, local resistance in Flanders to Spanish control. Even the long list can be seen as proof: a proof of loses and proof of greed, as both France and Spain wanted a piece of it. The artist’s intent appears very clear. What do you think about such aggressive mockery? Editor: It's fascinating how art was used so directly. Almost like a political cartoon, but more elaborate. Something like what newspapers do, making the public get into one’s vision. Curator: I like that you noticed its ‘cartoonish’ character, which reminds me of our daily takes and news about the ongoing political themes! This print allows one to get deep inside of a particular historical moment, making it lively and amusing, even if very aggressive. What have we learnt from this artwork today? Editor: That historical prints could be savage, but a key tool to express oneself! It’s a kind of "pre-internet meme," something immediately understandable at the time and really revealing now.