ACCOUNT OF THE SIEGE OF NAARDEN

“Belegeringe der Stadt Naerden Zijnde de Eerste overwinninge die zijn Konincklijcke Hoogheyt de Heer Prinse van Oranjen heeft gedaen verovert op den 12 September 1673.” (Siege of the city of Naarden, being the first victory achieved by His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange on September 12, 1673.) Etching with engraving made in 1673 by Romeijn de Hooghe, published by Marcus Doornick in Amsterdam. Size (print): 41.5 x 53.2 cm. (Size frame: 67 x 78 cm.)

In April 1672, England and France declared war on the Dutch Republic. After French troops crossed the Rhine at Lobith on June 12, 1672, the Dutch defensive lines collapsed. Holland and Zeeland managed to hold out only by flooding parts of Holland and Brabant. After the fall of the States General and the takeover by Stadtholder William III, a major counteroffensive began with the recapture of the fortress of Naarden on September 12, 1673.

The successful siege and capture of the fortress are depicted here by Romeijn de Hooghe (1645-1708). De Hooghe illustrated various scenes and key figures on the plate, which are explained by descriptive inscriptions. In the center of the plate, we see William III surrounded by his staff. The mayor of Naarden is kneeling before the prince. On the right in the foreground, the French troops are retreating. In the foreground, there are scenes from the soldiers’ life in the army camp. In the distance, the siege and storming of the city can be seen. At the top, on a hanging cloth, is a map of the city and the positions of the besiegers.

An “Account of the Siege and Capture of the City of Naarden” by the Prince of Orange on September 13, 1673, also appeared as a pamphlet with an illustration by Romeijn de Hooghe, displayed here in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

Price: 2,250 Euros (including frame)

NB: This piece was on display at Slot Zuylen from June 3 to September 18, 2022, as part of the exhibition “Moord en Brand! Slot Zuylen en Rampjaar 1672” (Murder and Fire! Slot Zuylen and the Disaster Year 1672.)