Bombardement van Dieppe door de Geallieerden, 1694 1694

Editor: This is a 1694 print titled "Bombardement van Dieppe door de Geallieerden, 1694" by Pieter van den Berge. It depicts the bombing of Dieppe, and its dense composition and stark black-and-white contrast create a chaotic, unsettling mood. What historical or social contexts do you see as being crucial to understanding this work? Curator: This image functions as both a historical record and a piece of political propaganda. Look at the Dutch Golden Age influences; it's attempting to document, but also to sway opinion. We have the detailed depiction of the city, juxtaposed with the overwhelming force of the allied fleet, which tells a clear power dynamic, wouldn’t you agree? Editor: I can see that, it does highlight the might of the fleet. How much of this do you think accurately depicts what happened in the bombing? Curator: That’s the key question. The artist’s choices – what to emphasize, what to omit – reflect a particular agenda. Consider the role of the artist in times of conflict. Whose stories are being told, and from what perspective? Do we see any attention to the lives of ordinary citizens here? The title suggests a representation, yet what biases are inherent in it? Editor: I hadn’t considered the clear political bias of the print. It makes you wonder what wasn't included. Curator: Exactly. By critically analyzing the context, and thinking about perspective, we move beyond simply seeing an image to understanding the complex forces at play during its creation. How does considering propaganda affect your initial understanding of the print’s unsettling mood? Editor: It certainly amplifies the unsettling feeling. Now the print communicates an ominous warning, not just of the naval attack itself but also of its long lasting social effects. Thank you.