Sterfte door ziekte en pest onder de Leidenaren, 1574 1614 - 1699

This anonymous etching, "Sterfte door ziekte en pest onder de Leidenaren, 1574", depicts the devastating impact of the plague in Leiden in 1574. The artwork, created sometime between 1614 and 1699, is a powerful reminder of the city's history and the suffering endured by its citizens. The central scene shows a funeral procession carrying a coffin, highlighting the heavy toll of disease. The figures surrounding the coffin and throughout the artwork express the despair and grief of the city's population. The etching provides a glimpse into the lives of the Dutch people during a time of immense hardship and the impact of the plague on their community. The piece is currently located in the Rijksmuseum, serving as a historical testament to the challenges faced by the city of Leiden.