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Jan van Speijk lights the gunpowder fuse, 5 February 1831, (1831-1850). Creator: Jacobus Schoemaker Doyer
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Jan van Speijk lights the gunpowder fuse, 5 February 1831, (1831-1850). Creator: Jacobus Schoemaker Doyer
Jan van Speijk lights the gunpowder fuse, 5 February 1831, (1831-1850). Dutch naval lieutenant commander with the United Netherlands Navy who became a hero in the Netherlands for his opposition to the Belgian Revolution. The Belgians stormed Van Speyk's ship, demanding he haul down the Dutch flag. Rather than surrender his ship, he fired a pistol (some versions say he threw a lighted cigar) into a barrel of gunpowder in the ship's magazine. According to legend he shouted, "I'd rather be blown up then". The number of Belgians killed is unknown, though it probably numbered in the dozens. Twenty-eight of his 31 crewmen also perished in the blast
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Media ID 36341436
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Barrel Barrels Committing Suicide Deck Explosive Explosives Fuse Gunpowder Hammer Hero Heroic Heroism Horn Lieutenant Commander Naval Officer Naval Ship On Board On Deck Suicide Tools Warships Belgian Revolution Naval Warfare Warship
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EDITORS COMMENTS
Jan van Speijk, a Dutch naval lieutenant commander, stands defiantly on the deck of his ship during the Belgian Revolution on February 5, 1831. The Belgians had stormed the vessel, demanding that Van Speyk surrender and lower the Dutch flag. Instead, Van Speijk made the fateful decision to light the gunpowder fuse, rather than yield to the enemy. The barrels of explosives in the background are a testament to the destructive force that was about to be unleashed. Van Speijk's heroic act became a symbol of Dutch resistance during the revolution. According to legend, he shouted "I'd rather be blown up than surrender" before igniting the powder. The number of Belgian casualties is unknown, but it is believed that dozens were killed, along with 28 of his 31 crew members. This oil painting by Jacobus Schoemaker Doyer captures the intensity and determination of Van Speijk in his final moments. The use of color and lighting adds to the dramatic effect, making this a powerful and evocative work of art. The painting is a testament to the courage and sacrifice of Van Speijk and the Dutch navy during a time of political upheaval in Europe. Jacobus Schoemaker Doyer's masterful depiction of Van Speijk has become an important part of Dutch heritage and is a must-see for anyone interested in naval history, heroism, or the 19th century. This painting is currently housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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