Overwinning op de Spaanse vloot bij Vlissingen, 1573 1573 - 1575

Frans Hogenberg created this print titled, Overwinning op de Spaanse vloot bij Vlissingen, 1573. The print depicts a naval battle during the Eighty Years' War, a conflict deeply entwined with religious and political identity. Hogenberg, working within a tradition of historical documentation, captures the clash between the Dutch rebels and the Spanish fleet. The image is more than a record of war; it's a visual construction of Dutch identity in opposition to Spanish oppression. Consider how the sea, often a symbol of freedom and opportunity, becomes a battleground for liberation. The billowing smoke and sinking ships evoke the high stakes and human cost of the conflict. This print reflects a pivotal moment in Dutch history, shaping national identity and challenging the established power structures of the time. It speaks to the enduring human desire for self-determination and the willingness to fight for it.