Twee penningen op het beleg van Amsterdam door Willem II, 1650 1724 - 1726

These two prints commemorate the 1650 siege of Amsterdam by William II. Created by an anonymous artist, they offer insight into a tumultuous moment in Dutch history. These prints capture the tense dynamic between Amsterdam, a bastion of republicanism and burgeoning global trade, and the House of Orange, which sought to consolidate power. We see the city from the sea with ships ready for battle. The text declares "Our hearts' hand is for the country," suggesting a commitment to the Dutch Republic. In the other print, the claim "God has preserved us" suggests a sense of divine favor towards Amsterdam, while the image of soldiers leaving references William II’s forces withdrawing from the city. These prints invite us to consider the intricate web of political, religious, and economic factors that shaped the Dutch Golden Age, and how the people of Amsterdam experienced these tensions. They offer a window into the city's fight to preserve its identity and autonomy.