Lambert Melisz. uit Westzaan vlucht met zijn moeder over het ijs naar Hoorn, 1573 1700 - 1702

Pieter van den Berge created this etching in the late 17th or early 18th century, depicting an event from 1573. It shows Lambert Melisz and his mother fleeing Westzaan for Hoorn across the ice. The backdrop of the artwork reflects the tumultuous times of the Eighty Years' War, with burning buildings and armed figures symbolizing the conflict between the Dutch and Spanish forces. Van den Berge's work brings to life a story of personal struggle amidst broader political and religious strife during the seige of Alkmaar. The act of fleeing, captured here, speaks to the universal experience of displacement and the search for safety, themes that resonate across different eras and personal identities. Melisz's and his mother's escape underscores the disruption of traditional family structures amidst war. It also underscores the courage of individuals facing immense challenges. This image reflects both historical realities and enduring human emotions.