Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaer – The Heroine of Haarlem
Few women from Dutch history have captured the imagination as strongly as Kenau Simonsdochter Hasselaer (1526–1588). Known simply as Kenau, she became a legendary figure during the Siege of Haarlem (1572–1573), when Spanish forces under the Duke of Alba attempted to crush the rebellious city.
A Woman of Courage
Kenau was a widow and a successful businesswoman, trading timber on the Spaarne River in Haarlem. When the Spanish army laid siege to her city, Kenau reportedly rallied other women to defend Haarlem’s walls. With axes, boiling tar, and sheer determination, they resisted the heavily armed soldiers.
While historical records about the scale of her role are scarce, her reputation quickly grew. By the 17th century, Kenau had become a symbol of Dutch resistance, not only against Spain but also as an embodiment of courage, independence, and patriotism.
From History to Legend
What fascinates historians and artists alike is how Kenau transformed from a historical figure into a larger-than-life legend. Chronicles mention her bravery, but it was later art and literature that elevated her into a national icon. She became a female counterpart to the great military leaders of her age, remembered not for commanding armies but for her fearless spirit.
Kenau in Art
Because she lived in the 16th century, authentic portraits of Kenau are extremely rare. A handful of early likenesses exist, such as stern portraits showing her in black dress and white cap, often holding a halberd symbols of her resistance role. These works are treasured for their rarity and the way they connect us to a real historical woman who became a myth.
In the 19th century, during the Romantic era, painters revived her story with dramatic canvases. Grand historical paintings depicted Kenau leading women on the barricades, inspiring awe and patriotism in a period when the Netherlands looked back on its Golden Age for identity and pride. These paintings, filled with fire, passion, and dramatic skies, helped cement her image as Haarlem’s warrior woman.
An Enduring Inspiration
Kenau’s story demonstrates the power of art to shape memory. Though the exact details of her heroism may never be fully known, her image as a fearless defender has inspired countless generations. Writers, poets, and painters turned her into a symbol of resilience, and today she continues to inspire conversations about the role of women in history.
We see Kenau not only as a heroine of Haarlem but also as a reminder of how art keeps legends alive. Each portrait, whether an early scarce likeness or a later Romantic reimagining, reflects how deeply her spirit resonated through the centuries.
Kenau’s legacy endures a blend of history and myth, sharpened by brush and canvas into a story that still speaks of courage, resistance, and the enduring power of art.
Barend Wijnveld and J.H. Egenberger’s monumental canvas “Kenau defending Haarlem against the Spaniards” (1854, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam)
