Slag op het Slaak
Medium
striking (metalworking)
Dimensions
5.7; 36.92
About this artwork
Gift of J.M. van Gelder-Nijhoff
Art Historical Context
Behold the *Slag op het Slaak* (Battle on the Slaak), a finely struck medal crafted in 1631 by Anthonis Pietersz. van der Willigen, a Dutch metalworker during the Golden Age. Measuring just 5.7 cm in diameter and weighing 36.92 grams, this compact bronze piece commemorates a pivotal naval triumph in the Eighty Years' for Dutch independence. Van der Willigen's design captures the dramatic clash between Dutch and Spanish forces in the Slaak estuary symbolizing national pride and resilience. The Battle of the Slaak, fought on October 12, 1631, saw Admiral Maarten Tromp's fleet decisively rout th...