Frans Hogenberg: Parma's bridge over the Scheldt (1585 - 1587)

(Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

An engraving by the Flemish artist Frans Hogenberg (1535-1590). This piece is part of a large set dedicated to the Dutch war of independence (1568-1648). During the Dutch revolt, Antwerp joined the Dutch rebellion - becoming one of the largest and most important rebel cities. In 1584 king Philip II of Spain sent Alessandro Farnese, Duke of Parma to head his army in Flanders to regain control over the rebellious provinces. As part of this military campaign, Parma attacked the well defended city of Antwerp in July 1584 and a long siege began. A part of the siege was the construction of encirclement lines in order to cut of the city from the outside world. This bridge was a part of these encirclement lines and was build to cut of the Dutch supply-lines over the river. The bridge itself was a unique feat of siege engineering at its time, and consisted of a strong fort (reinforced with cannons) on each side of the Scheldt with a bridge of connected pontoons running between them (the bridge is believed to have been 730m long). Dutch forces attempted several times to destroy the bridge, including an attack with two large fire ships. All the Dutch attempts failed and the city surrendered to Spanish forces on 17 August 1585. Engraving from 1585-1587.