Portret van Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaar 1788

Reinier Vinkeles created this print of Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaar in the late 18th century. Vinkeles was working in a time of growing national consciousness, and prints like these played a role in shaping Dutch identity. Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaar was a legendary figure, a woman celebrated for her bravery during the siege of Haarlem in 1573, part of the Eighty Years' War. But what does it mean to remember a woman warrior? This image engages with the construction of gender and national identity. Kenau is depicted with a stern, almost masculine face, challenging conventional notions of femininity. She is not merely a woman, but a symbol of Dutch resistance. Consider how historical narratives are shaped and who gets to be a hero. This print invites us to reflect on the stories we tell about our past and how they continue to influence our present.