Public domain

Sword of Burgomaster Van der Werff of Leiden

anonymous · 1544 · iron (metal); copper (metal); silver (metal); brass (alloy)

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

In 1574 Spanish forces besieged Leiden. The city's inhabitants were so hungry that they considered surrender. Legend has it that their mayor, Burgomaster Pieter van der Werff, gave them with his sword and demanded that they kill and eat him. This sword is believed to have belonged to the self-sacrificing mayor.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description

Subjects

sword Pieter Adriaansz. van der Werff

Credit lineSword of Burgomaster Van der Werff of Leiden. 1544. anonymous. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.

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