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Celebrating the Dutch Victory at the Siege of Groningen
Rare full original color example of this separately published broadsheet plan of the Siege of Groningen, published in Amsterdam in 1672, including an elaborate plan and view of the battle by the celebrated Dutch engraver and illustrator Romeyn de Hooghe (1645 - 1708).
The Siege of Groningen in 1672, led by Bishop Bernhard von Galen, known locally as "Bombing Bernard," quickly became widely known across the Dutch Republic. This rapid dissemination of news was facilitated by pamphlets like De Belegringh van Groeningen (The Siege of Groningen), which found an eager audience in the cities of Holland. Created by the illustrator Romeyn de Hooghe, this pamphlet featured a detailed copper engraving and an accompanying text chronicling the events of the siege. De Hooghe claimed his account to be an oprecht verhaal ("true account"), presenting the military formations, the relentless bombardment of the city, and the bravery of its defenders.
Romeyn de Hooghe was a politically active Amsterdam illustrator who viewed printing as an "antidote against the corrupt knowledge" of Catholic rulers. As an outspoken Protestant and Orangist, De Hooghe saw his work as a civic duty, aiming to convince his educated contemporaries of his ideological perspective. Following the disaster year (Rampjaar) of 1672, De Hooghe became one of the most sought-after illustrators in the Republic, producing patriotic materials to meet growing demand. However, his pamphlets often presented a strongly biased view, shaped by eyewitness accounts that were frequently adapted to align with his ideological goals.
De Hooghe’s Protestant and Republican sentiments are immediately evident in his descriptions of the siege. He praised the “courageous bravery” of Groningen’s citizens in defending the city against the Catholic Bishop of Münster. He described the constant bombardments of the city with bombs, grenades, and firebombs and highlighted the citizens’ endurance under these attacks. De Hooghe interpreted the city’s defense as proof of divine intervention, declaring that “the God of the Heavens destroyed the arrogance of our Enemies.”
The pamphlet also included extraordinary anecdotes that emphasized divine protection over Groningen and the House of Orange. De Hooghe recounted miraculous events, such as a child in a crib surviving unscathed after a house wall was blown apart and a woman emerging unharmed after a burning bullet exploded the pavement around her. Most strikingly, he described how a bomb destroyed the house of Paymaster Emmius, blowing out all the windows except one bearing the emblem of the Prince of Orange. Such tales reinforced De Hooghe's claim that the Republic and the House of Orange had divine favor.
While the bombardments described by De Hooghe are supported by historical evidence, many of the miraculous stories lack verification and were likely products of his rhetoric. These anecdotes served to bolster his ideological message and elevate the siege to a symbolic victory of Protestantism and Dutch resilience. The pamphlet became a tool for shaping public opinion and spreading patriotic fervor during a time of existential threat to the Republic.
The Siege of Groningen illustrates the interplay between historical events and their retelling through print media. De Hooghe’s account, though heavily ideological, played a significant role in shaping public perception of the siege and the Republic’s resistance. This highlights the importance of critically examining historical narratives and the motives behind their dissemination—a lesson as relevant today as it was in the seventeenth century.
Siege of Groningen
The Siege of Groningen, fought on August 17, 1672, was an important event in the Franco-Dutch War (1672–1678), a conflict during which the Netherlands faced invasions from multiple fronts. The city of Groningen, a key stronghold in the northern provinces of the Dutch Republic, was targeted by forces of the Bishop of Münster, Christoph Bernhard von Galen, allied with the Elector of Cologne. This attack was part of a broader campaign to weaken the Dutch Republic during its "Year of Disaster" (Rampjaar), when the country faced simultaneous assaults by France, England, Münster, and Cologne.
Groningen’s strategic location made it a crucial target for the Bishop of Münster, who sought to gain control of the northern provinces and secure a vital foothold in the region. The city's strong fortifications, designed in the style of the Dutch military engineer Menno van Coehoorn, were well-prepared to resist an attack. Its defense was critical to maintaining Dutch sovereignty in the north and preventing the enemy forces from advancing further into the heart of the Republic.
The siege began with heavy bombardments by the combined forces of Münster and Cologne, intending to breach Groningen’s walls and force a swift surrender. The attackers employed brutal tactics, including scorched-earth policies in the surrounding countryside, destroying villages and farmlands to intimidate the defenders and cut off supplies. Despite these efforts, the citizens and garrison of Groningen remained steadfast, determined to defend their city at all costs.
The defense of Groningen was led by Carl von Rabenhaupt, a seasoned military commander with extensive experience in European wars. Under his leadership, the defenders exhibited exceptional discipline and resilience, repelling numerous assaults on the city. Rabenhaupt’s strategic use of the city’s fortifications, along with effective counterattacks, inflicted heavy casualties on the besieging forces and disrupted their plans.
After weeks of resistance, the Dutch military successfully reinforced the city, forcing the attackers to retreat. The arrival of additional troops and the unwavering determination of the defenders led to the lifting of the siege on August 17, 1672. The failure to capture Groningen marked a significant turning point in the northern campaign, as it preserved the Dutch Republic's control of its northern provinces and demonstrated the resilience of its military and civilian population.
The Siege of Groningen became a symbol of Dutch unity and determination during the Rampjaar. The victory bolstered morale throughout the Republic, proving that the nation could withstand the combined might of its enemies. Groningen's successful defense also cemented Rabenhaupt’s reputation as a skilled military leader and underscored the effectiveness of Dutch fortification designs. The siege remains a celebrated moment in Dutch history, commemorated annually in Groningen on Gronings Ontzet (Relief of Groningen Day).
Rarity
The broadside and text are rare, especially so in full original color.
OCLC locates 5 examples in Dutch and Belgian libraries but no mention of full original color.
RBH locates one example of the view without the text at auction.
