Beleg van Haarlem, 1572-1573 (rechterblad) 1742 - 1779

Hendrik Spilman created this print of the Siege of Haarlem in 1772-1773, using etching techniques. It depicts a key moment in the Eighty Years' War. Prints like this one played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and national identity in the Netherlands. The siege itself was a brutal affair, with the Spanish army mercilessly attacking Haarlem. The Dutch saw themselves as fighting for freedom against foreign oppression, but this image simplifies the conflict. Spilman’s print flattens the complexities of the conflict by presenting a heroic vision of Dutch resistance. Commissioned nearly two centuries after the event, this print reflects how the Dutch viewed their history and their place in Europe, through the cultural lens of the late 18th century. Examining archival sources can shed light on the motivations and patrons behind such images, helping us understand the social and political forces that shaped their creation and reception.