Schets van het stoffelijk overschot van J.C.J. van Speyk 1831

This anonymous sketch depicts the remains of J.C.J. van Speyk. Van Speyk was a Dutch naval hero who blew up his own ship in 1831 rather than surrender it to Belgian rebels. The sketch gives us a glimpse into the making of a national hero. Van Speyk's story was quickly mythologized, transforming him into a symbol of Dutch courage and patriotism. But this image also hints at the human cost of such heroism. The sketch is not a glorification of war but a stark portrayal of its consequences. It invites us to reflect on the relationship between individual sacrifice and national identity. What does it mean to memorialize someone through their death? What stories do we tell about heroism, and who gets to tell them? How do these narratives shape our understanding of ourselves and our nation? While Van Speyk became a national symbol, this anonymous sketch leaves space to consider the emotional and personal dimensions of sacrifice.