Deventer gaat door verraad van Stanley over in Spaanse handen, 1587

This etching, made by Simon Fokke, depicts the city of Deventer falling into Spanish hands in 1587 due to the betrayal of an English commander, Stanley. Made in the 18th century, this image evokes a historical event from over a century before. The visual codes used point to ideas about Dutch national identity and the struggle for independence from Spanish rule. Consider the architecture, the clothing, and the expressions on the figures’ faces; these would all have been legible to Fokke’s Dutch contemporaries, stirring feelings of patriotism, pride, and the need to remain vigilant against foreign threats. The Rijksmuseum, where this print is held, plays a key role in shaping our understanding of Dutch history. The museum’s collection policy, exhibition design, and public programs all influence how we interpret such images and their relation to national identity. To understand it better, we could explore 18th-century Dutch print culture and consult historical accounts of the Dutch Revolt. Art offers a window into the complex interplay of power, identity, and memory.