Turfschip van Breda, 1590 1590 - 1612

Frans Hogenberg created this engraving of the Turfschip van Breda in 1590. It depicts the daring capture of Breda by Dutch troops, a key moment in the Eighty Years' War. Hogenberg's image creates meaning through its meticulous depiction of the urban landscape and military strategy. Produced during a time of intense political and religious conflict in the Netherlands, this print reflects the cultural and nationalistic sentiments of the period. The Eighty Years' War was not only a fight for independence from Spanish rule, but also a struggle for religious freedom and economic autonomy. Prints like these played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and constructing a visual narrative of Dutch resistance. To fully understand this artwork, we turn to historical archives, military records, and period pamphlets. Such resources provide insight into the social, political, and military contexts that shaped its production and reception. This image serves as a reminder that art is always contingent on its historical context.