Gevecht bij Donauwörth, 1704 1704 - 1711

This anonymous etching from 1704, now in the Rijksmuseum, depicts the battle of Donauwörth. At the top we see a winged figure, an allegorical representation of fame or victory, carrying a banner proclaiming ‘Vivat post funera virtus’ – virtue lives on after death. This motif of a flying figure bearing a message is ancient, appearing in Roman art as winged Victories and in Renaissance paintings as annunciating angels. We see it echoed in countless later works, each time adapted to convey a specific message of triumph or divine will. Consider how this image plays on our collective memory. The heroic figure, derived from classical and religious archetypes, taps into deep-seated emotions. It elicits feelings of hope and righteousness, yet also hints at the ephemerality of glory. The visual language speaks to the cyclical nature of history, where symbols of triumph are continuously reinterpreted, reflecting our enduring fascination with legacy.