Jan van Speijk op het punt de lont in het ruim te gooien, 1831 1853 - 1890

This lithograph, created by Jan Mesker between 1853 and 1890, depicts the heroic act of Dutch naval officer Jan van Speijk. The scene shows the young captain on the deck of his ship, about to ignite the powder keg, sacrificing himself to prevent the vessel from being captured by the Belgians. The dramatic composition and detailed depiction of the event make it a powerful example of 19th-century historical art. The image is a reminder of van Speijk's bravery and his dedication to his country, as well as a testament to the power of art to capture and commemorate significant moments in history. "Jan van Speijk", "lithograph", "historical art", "Dutch history".