Kenau Simonsdr Hasselaer op de wallen van Haarlem met haar vrouwencorps bij de hevigste aanval der Spanjaarden, 31 januari 1573

Executed in a predominantly black and white palette, the painting features a textured, rough appearance, contributing to its dramatic and urgent ambiance. The composition focuses on Kenau, armored and wielding both sword and flag, surrounded by armed figures in a disordered background of clashing soldiers and crumbling architecture.

Completed in the same year as the event it depicts, the painting is now part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection, serving as a significant historical and artistic artifact of the Dutch Golden Age.

The work reflects the turmoil of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. Kenau’s leadership of a women’s corps during the Siege of Haarlem symbolizes resistance and patriotism, themes resonating deeply within the context of the emerging Dutch nation.

While specifics on the painting’s direct influence are scarce, it remains an important visual record of Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaer’s legendary role in Dutch history and a testament to Jacobus Schoemaker Doyer’s contribution to historical genre painting in the Netherlands.