Van Speijk's Leven en Dood 169 Vie et Mort de Van Speyk 1880 - 1911

"Van Speijk's Leven en Dood" (Life and Death of Van Speijk) is a colorful, detailed, illustrated narrative of the life and death of a Dutch naval hero. The artwork depicts Van Speijk's life from his childhood, through his naval career, to his final heroic act - sacrificing himself to save his ship from capture. The artwork was created by Brepols & Dierckx zoon between 1880 and 1911 and is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. The narrative is illustrated in a series of panels with explanatory text below each scene. This captivating artwork is an important historical document and an example of popular 19th-century illustration.