Ontzet van Leiden, 1574 c. 1574 - 1578

Frans Hogenberg’s *Ontzet van Leiden, 1574* depicts the Siege of Leiden in 1574, a pivotal moment in the Eighty Years' War. This detailed engraving captures the dramatic moment when Dutch forces broke the Spanish siege, ensuring Leiden’s survival. The intricate composition depicts the siege from a bird’s-eye perspective, highlighting the city's strategic location, the intricate network of waterways, and the fierce conflict unfolding around it. The artwork, created between 1574 and 1578, serves as a powerful historical document, showcasing the bravery and resilience of the Dutch people in the face of Spanish oppression.