After Hogenberg, Siege of Antwerp: Duke of Parma's Strategic Ship Bridge over the Scheldt, 1585, Print

Details

Description

This engraving, titled *Pons Antverpianus Scaldi impositus*, represents the famous ship bridge constructed by the Duke of Parma over the … Read more This engraving, titled *Pons Antverpianus Scaldi impositus*, represents the famous ship bridge constructed by the Duke of Parma over the Scheldt River during the Siege of Antwerp in 1585. The bridge was a critical part of the siege, effectively cutting off the city's access to the river and isolating Antwerp from external support. The bridge was ingeniously constructed with boats, anchored to form a continuous blockade across the water. The detailed view shows various elements of the bridge and the positioning of the ships, with a legend at the bottom explaining the components. It provides a vivid illustration of the logistical engineering behind one of the most strategic maneuvers of the Eighty Years' War. The title, "Pons Antverpianus Scaldi impositus," refers to the bridge imposed upon the Scheldt near Antwerp. This work was likely published in the late 16th century, possibly as part of a series documenting the military tactics and sieges of the Eighty Years' War. The engraver is commonly attributed to Frans Hogenberg or his workshop, as he was known for producing engravings documenting historical events during this period. See less