Neuss door Parma belegerd en ingenomen, 1586 1647 - 1651

This print, made in 1586 by an anonymous artist, depicts the siege and capture of Neuss by the Duke of Parma. It's an etching, a printmaking technique that relies on the corrosive properties of acid to create lines in a metal plate, which is then inked and printed. The choice of etching is significant. Unlike painting or sculpture, printmaking is an inherently reproducible medium, ideally suited to disseminating information, or even propaganda. The detailed lines, achieved through skilled draftsmanship, give a bird's-eye view of the conflict, emphasizing the scale of the armies involved and the devastation inflicted upon the city. Notice the contrast between the organized ranks of soldiers and the chaotic scenes of battle and destruction. The print serves not only as a historical record, but also a commentary on the brutal realities of war. It challenges the distinction between art and craft, using a "low" medium to convey a powerful message about labor, politics, and consumption.