Pieter Adriaansz. van der Werff, burgemeester van Leiden tijdens het beleg 1824

This bronze medal depicting Pieter Adriaansz. van der Werff, the mayor of Leiden during the siege, was created by Adriaan Bemme. The medal commemorates the siege of Leiden in 1574. This event took place during the Eighty Years' War, a period of conflict that shaped Dutch identity and its fight for independence from Spanish rule. The choice to immortalize van der Werff suggests a focus on his leadership and resilience during a time of immense hardship. We can consider the complex interplay of power, identity, and national pride represented on this small object. Van der Werff’s leadership during the siege became a symbol of Dutch resistance, embodying the values of courage, perseverance, and self-determination in the face of adversity. Consider how the creation of this medal reflects an attempt to solidify a national narrative and promote a particular version of Dutch history. It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom, while also prompting questions about who is included and excluded from such narratives of national identity.