A Draught or Prospect of the Dreadfull Inundation or Breaking the Dykes in Holland…

An 18th century view of the All Saint’s Flood of 1675

This almost apocalyptic scene captures water pouring through the broken Saint Anthony’s Dyke, a critical element of Amsterdam’s flood control program in the 17th century. In early November 1675, a fierce storm surge caused the dyke to burst, resulting in significant flooding and several casualties. Repairs would not be completed until over 50 years later.

The image was originally credited to Dutch illustrator D. Nalp. This later edition was engraved by John Senex and published in London as part of the 1711 edition of Philip Cluver’s Introductio in Universam Geographiam.