Frans van Brederode veroverd Rotterdam, in 1488

About this artwork

Illustratie voor: J.W. te Water, De vaderlandsche Historie van den heere J. Wagenaar, verkort, en met leerzaame aanmerkingen, ten dienste der Nederlandsche jeugd, 1784-1800, 4 delen.

Art Historical Context

This small etching by Simon Fokke captures a dramatic moment from Dutch history: the conquest of Rotterdam by Frans van Brederode in 1488. Created as an illustration for J.W. te Water’s patriotic history book, written specifically for Dutch youth, the print brings to life a turbulent episode from the late medieval Hook and Cod conflicts. Its modest size—barely larger than a postcard—made it ideal for inclusion in an affordable, multi-volume educational series published between 1784 and 1800. Etching was a popular reproductive technique in the eighteenth century, allowing artists to produce fine lines and subtle shading that could be printed in large numbers. Fokke’s delicate handling of the medium lends the scene both clarity and energy, guiding young readers’ imaginations through the story of civic struggle and resilience. By presenting this event in an accessible format, the print helped shape a shared sense of national heritage for generations of Dutch schoolchildren.

About the Artist

Simon Fokke · 1712–1784

Comment on works: Draugstman; Portrait