Public domain
The Battle for the Golden Stave, 1608
From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.
About this work
The struggle for the Golden Stick, 1608. On the beach, a Dutch skipper and a Spaniard fight over a stick that they both hold with one hand. In the background, six onlookers, including Prince Maurice (left) and King Henry IV of France (center). The tug-of-war represents the struggle between the Republic and Spain for power in the East and West Indies; the golden stick bestows riches. At the top of the scene, in a cartouche, a four-line verse in Dutch: Een oud Schipper van Monickendam etc. The print was used in a pamphlet against the peace negotiations for the Truce in the year 1608.
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own descriptionSubjects
Credit lineDe strijd om de Gouden Stok, 1608. 1608. anonymous. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.
