Vernieling van het slot van Gijsbrecht II van Amstel, 1204 1722 - 1784

Simon Fokke created this etching titled "Destruction of the Castle of Gijsbrecht II van Amstel, 1204" sometime in the 18th century. It captures a dramatic moment from Dutch history, steeped in power struggles and territorial disputes. Fokke, working during the Enlightenment, was part of a society grappling with ideas of nationhood. Here, he depicts the siege of Gijsbrecht van Amstel's castle, an event that marked a shift in regional dominance. Van Amstel, a controversial figure, was seen by some as a symbol of resistance against the Count of Holland, while others viewed him as a rebellious lord. What you see here is not just a castle ablaze, but the clash of identities and allegiances. The etching emphasizes the raw power and violence of the siege, but think about how Fokke, as an artist, might have felt portraying such a destructive moment. He was tasked with illustrating the foundations of Dutch identity. The etching asks us to consider who gets to write history, and whose stories are told.