Memorial to Jacob van Heemskerck, 1611, Engraving

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This striking 1611 engraving is a memorial tribute to Jacob van Heemskerck, the famed Dutch navigator, explorer, and naval commander, … Read more This striking 1611 engraving is a memorial tribute to Jacob van Heemskerck, the famed Dutch navigator, explorer, and naval commander, published in Johannes Isacius Pontanus' Rerum et urbis Amstelodamensium historia (History of Amsterdam). The elaborate architectural frame, inscribed "To Honor and Eternity", celebrates Heemskerck's achievements and heroic death in battle. The central Latin text honors his life and service: "Jacob ab Heemskerck of Amsteldam, a man of great valor and of the best merit of his country. Who, after various unknown voyages to New Zembla under the Arctic Pole, two voyages to the East Indies towards the Antarctic, and the same amount from thence, returned victorious in 1604 with the best spoils. Finally, the commander of the maritime expedition against the Spaniards, the same strong fleet attacked the Herculean strait, under the very fortress and in the city of Gibraltar, in the year 1607, he died fighting vigorously. His soul rests in this place. He lived for the 40th year of the Most Illustrious and Powerful Provinces of Belgium. English translation: To Jacob van Heemskerck of Amsterdam, a man of great courage and merit towards his homeland. After various voyages to unknown regions—two to Nova Zembla under the Arctic Pole, and two toward the East Indies beneath the Antarctic—he returned in 1604 as a victorious conqueror laden with spoils. At last, commanding a maritime expedition against the Spanish, he attacked their mighty fleet with Herculean courage in the Strait of Hercules (Gibraltar), near the fortress and city itself, on the 24th of April 1607, routing and destroying them. There he fell gloriously in battle for his country. with these your soul will rejoice in heaven; his body rests here. Farewell, reader—honor the fame and valor of this man. By decree of the Most Illustrious and Mighty Lords of the Federated Provinces of the Netherlands. He lived 40 years, 2 months, and 12 days. Below the epitaph, an additional Dutch verse reads: “Heemskerck die dwers door ’t ijs in t’ijser dorst te streven, Liet d’eer aen ’t land, hier t’lyf voor Gibraltar het leven.” Translation: Heemskerck, who once dared the ice of the North to pierce through iron itself, Left his honor to his homeland, and here, before Gibraltar, gave his life. Beneath the inscription is a vivid engraving of the Battle of Gibraltar (1607), showing Dutch ships engaging and defeating the Spanish fleet under Heemskerck's command. Smoke from cannon fire fills the harbor, with the Rock of Gibraltar and the coastal fortifications visible in the background. A skull motif below the scene symbolizes both mortality and heroism. This print unites portraiture, naval history, and allegory in a single powerful image, memorializing one of the early naval heroes of the Dutch Republic. It exemplifies the national pride and maritime identity of the early 17th century. Condition: Good, with slight toning, faint text show-through, and minor edge wear typical of early 17th-century paper. Strong impression with crisp detail. Framing tips: Present in a dark wood or ebonized frame with a thin ivory mat to accentuate the architectural composition and classical symmetry of the print. Technique: Engraving Maker: Anonymous engraver after designs for Johannes Isacius Pontanus, Amsterdam, 1611 See less