Tweedracht onder de Leidenaren, 1574 1612 - 1614

Willem de Haen created this print, titled 'Tweedracht onder de Leidenaren, 1574,' which translates to 'Discord among the people of Leiden,' using an engraving technique. This work depicts a scene of internal conflict, reflecting the socio-political tensions within the city during that time. In the context of the Eighty Years' War, such discord would have had significant implications for the community's resilience and unity. The print captures a moment of societal fragility. At the time, the experience of ordinary people, particularly those who were not part of the ruling class, were often left out of historical records. Prints like this one offer valuable insights into how common people negotiated their identities amidst larger political and religious conflicts. The discord suggests a divergence of opinions, perhaps influenced by class interests, religious affiliations, or regional identities. This would create a complex social fabric during a period of upheaval. The tension present in the print reflects the struggles and resilience of a community navigating political and social change, inviting us to consider the multifaceted nature of identity and conflict.