Moord op de prins van Oranje, 1584 1677

"Moord op de prins van Oranje, 1584" by Herman Padtbrugge, is an engraving that captures a pivotal moment in Dutch history. Padtbrugge created this work nearly a century after the event, reflecting on the enduring impact of William of Orange's assassination. The image depicts the moment of William's death, surrounded by those who are shocked and saddened by the event. The women behind William express the emotion felt at the time. Consider how this act of violence took place during the Eighty Years' War, a struggle for Dutch independence from Spanish rule. William of Orange was a key leader in this fight, and his death had profound implications for the Dutch Republic and the war. The engraving serves not only as a historical record but also as a symbol of Dutch resilience and determination in the face of adversity. It reminds us of the human cost of political upheaval and the emotional weight of historical events, but also of the enduring power of a nation's spirit.