De zelfopoffering van burgemeester Pieter van der Werff, 1574 1787

Reinier Vinkeles's etching, "De zelfopoffering van burgemeester Pieter van der Werff, 1574," depicts the historical moment when Pieter van der Werff, a Dutch mayor, sacrificed himself to save his city from Spanish troops in 1574. The scene unfolds on a cobbled street, with a group of men in 16th-century dress. The mayor stands central, offering his sword to the Spanish soldiers, while his countrymen watch in despair. The etching, created in 1787, serves as a reminder of the Dutch struggle for independence during the Eighty Years' War, emphasizing themes of sacrifice and patriotism. This artwork is a testament to the power of art in preserving historical narratives, reminding viewers of the sacrifices made for the greater good.