Engraved scene of the relief of Leiden on 3 October 1574, during the Dutch war for independence. After a months-long siege, the Spaniards were finally forced to retreat from Leiden on this date when Dutch forces broke the dykes and flooded the surrounding land. October 3 and the Ontzet is still a city-wide festival day in Leiden.
The print depicts a canal full of boats and a shore with a large open city gate at left. People are cheering and dancing on the shore, and a group of childen at far left blow on pots or pipes. The gate bears the crossed-key symbol of the city, as does a flag being flown on the ramparts of the gate. At center, a man in the water hands fish to a companion on board ship; the ship is already full of barrels of fish and sacks. Behind them, the centre parts of a bridge are raised to let a single-masted sailboat through. Traditional Dutch houses, a castle, and a church spire are visible along the curve of the canal. The lower margin is decorated with two versions of the seal of Leiden, a seal with a lion rampant, a seal with the words "LUGDUNUM BATAVORUM", and a small overhead map of the city with a naval battle in the foreground and a burning township with the cross on a church spire outlined against the flames. Artist names and title printed in lower margin.
Ao. is a common abbreviation for "Anno", or year.
