Hongersnood onder de Leidenaren, 1574 1612 - 1614

Curator: Willem de Haen created this etching, engraving, and pen drawing between 1612 and 1614. It's titled "Hongersnood onder de Leidenaren, 1574," or "Famine Among the People of Leiden, 1574". Editor: My goodness, it's bleak, isn't it? The sheer number of figures, their gaunt faces, all framed by those rather ominous sculptural details. A very visceral depiction. Curator: Indeed. De Haen vividly captures the devastating siege of Leiden. You see the widespread suffering under Spanish rule and the inhabitants' desperate starvation as the war dragged on. Notice that "FAMES" is inscribed in the upper part of the print – quite a statement about human resilience amidst tragedy. Editor: Absolutely, it becomes an accusation, doesn't it? A denouncement aimed at both the Spanish forces and, perhaps, the local governance. Look at the distribution of figures; the compositional choices definitely direct our eye toward the abject poverty being endured, underlining a pointed message about responsibility and historical culpability. What choices did the artist make in translating that tragedy into art? Curator: Consider the printmaking techniques involved – the labour invested in each line of etching and engraving. Each mark becomes a testament to the pervasive impact of political struggle on people’s everyday existence. The choice of black and white amplifies the grim reality and the limited resources of the time. Also, given its medium and distribution, prints had an unparalleled reach across different levels of society. Editor: And that accessibility further reinforces the intention: this isn't just about documenting misery; it's about igniting change, shaping historical narratives, and demanding accountability through its stark depiction and deliberate distribution. A piece loaded with context then. Curator: Precisely. This work acts as a memorial, reminding viewers about the brutal cost of war and the unwavering spirit required to persevere. Editor: An enduring, unflinching snapshot etched in time. A sobering but vital glimpse into the complexities of human hardship and political power, wouldn't you agree?