Portret van Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaar

About this artwork

height 214 mm x width 145 mm

Art Historical Context

This steel engraving by Edouard Taurel captures the likeness of Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaar, a legendary 16th-century Dutch heroine celebrated for her bravery during the Siege of Haarlem in 1572–1573. As a prominent citizen who organized the defense of her city against Spanish forces, Hasselaar became a symbol of resistance and female courage in Dutch history. Created between 1841 and 1879, the portrait reflects 19th-century interest in national heroes, transforming her story into a widely accessible image for public appreciation. Steel engraving, the medium employed here, offered remarkable precision and durability compared to earlier copper plates. This technique allowed engravers like Taurel to reproduce fine details—such as facial features and period attire—with crisp lines that could withstand thousands of impressions. Measuring just 214 by 145 millimeters, the compact format suggests it was designed for inclusion in books, portfolios, or personal collections, helping to spread historical narratives across Dutch society. As a reproductive work, the engraving underscores the era’s growing emphasis on cultural memory. It invites viewers to connect with the Netherlands’ turbulent past through an intimate, portable format that balanced artistic skill with educational purpose.

About the Artist

Edouard Taurel · 1824–1892

Charles Edouard Taurel (1824–1892) was a Dutch engraver and illustrator whose career exemplified the continued vitality of steel engraving and etching in the Netherlands during the nineteenth century. Working primarily in Amsterdam, Taurel specialized in portrait engravings of Dutch historical figures and topographical views of Amsterdam and its surroundings. His work served both commemorative fun...