Allegory of the Triumph of the Netherlands over Spain

Jan (Pietersz.) Saenredam

1600 · Engraving · Drawings and Prints

This print glorifies the victory of the Dutch Republic in the battle at Nieuwpoort in 1600. Although this success did not mark a turning point in the republic's war with Spain, the event was joyously celebrated at the time in prints. In Saenredam's engraving, a triumphal chariot, driven by the allegorical figures Prudence and Victory and pulled by Concord and Vigilance, carries the Dutch lion holding aloft a sword that symbolizes the defense of the nation. The orange tree at the back of the chariot, which bears the coat of arms of the house of Nassau-Orange in its branches, relates to Maurits, prince of Nassau-Orange, who commanded the Dutch troops at that time.

Artist

Jan (Pietersz.) Saenredam

Date

1600

Medium

Engraving

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

The Elisha Whittelsey Collection, The Elisha Whittelsey Fund, 1951