Attempt to Seize Amsterdam, 1577 — Haarlemmerpoort Assault, Hogenberg

About this sheet

Attempt to Seize Amsterdam, 1577 — Haarlemmerpoort Assault, Hogenberg
This powerful late-16th-century historical engraving depicts the attempted seizure of Amsterdam on 23 November 1577, a dramatic episode during the Dutch Revolt. The scene shows soldiers emerging from boats at the Haarlemmerpoort, advancing toward the fortified city gate in a coordinated assault. Flags raised and weapons drawn, the attacking forces surge forward across temporary bridges and waterways, while defenders resist from within the city walls. The composition is dense with action and detail, offering a vivid visual narrative of urban warfare in the early modern period.

The print was made by Frans Hogenberg in Cologne between 1577 and 1579 and belongs to his celebrated series of engraved news prints documenting political and military events in the Netherlands. Hogenberg is best known for his role as one of the most important visual chroniclers of the Dutch Revolt, producing prints that functioned both as reportage and as historical record. His works were widely circulated and are today regarded as key primary sources for the period.

This engraving is numbered 11 and includes a German caption of twelve lines beneath the image, explaining the event and identifying the principal actions shown. Such explanatory texts were integral to Hogenberg’s prints, allowing contemporary viewers to follow complex political developments through imagery supported by narrative description. The combination of bird’s-eye perspective, architectural accuracy, and animated figures makes this print both informative and visually compelling.

Historically, the attempted takeover of Amsterdam failed, and the city would not formally join the Revolt until 1578. As such, this print captures a moment of tension and uncertainty at a turning point in Dutch history. Today, impressions like this are highly sought after by collectors of Dutch Revolt material, early modern city views, and political history prints. It also works exceptionally well as a statement piece for interiors with an academic, museum, or historically layered character.

Condition report:
Good condition for its age. General age-related toning throughout the sheet, with some surface wear and minor handling marks. No major losses. Please study the image carefully for exact condition.

Framing tips:
A dark oak, walnut, or ebonized frame suits the gravity of the subject. Use an off-white or lightly toned mat; a wider lower margin complements the caption text and reinforces the historical presentation.

Technique: Etching
Maker: Frans Hogenberg, Cologne, 1577–1579