Verovering van San Salvador in Brazilië door admiraal Jacob Willekes, 1624 1624

Claes Jansz. Visscher created this engraving, "Conquest of San Salvador in Brazil by Admiral Jacob Willekes, 1624," during a period of intense European maritime expansion and colonial ambition. The image depicts a fleet of Dutch ships in the Bay of All Saints, poised to invade San Salvador, now known as Salvador, Bahia. This work isn't just a depiction of a military campaign; it's a visual articulation of power, dominance, and the violent disruption of indigenous and Afro-Brazilian communities. Visscher's detailed rendering of the ships and the city underscores the technological and military superiority the Dutch sought to assert, legitimizing their colonial endeavors. The print also includes a map of Brazil, reinforcing the idea of the land as a territory to be claimed and exploited. The emotional impact is palpable. The anticipation of conquest hangs heavy in the air. In considering this artwork, reflect on the human cost of such "victories" and the long shadow of colonialism that continues to shape our world.