Rear View of Berckenrode Castle in Heemstede after the Fire

Jan ten Compe, 1747

When William IV was elevated to stadtholder of Holland in 1747, the inhabitants of Berckenrode Castle held a celebration. The castle’s owner, Matthias Lestevenon, was an Orangist and would later become one of William IV’s advisers. The bonfire that was lit on 4 May set the castle ablaze and destroyed it. Lestevenon later rebuilt the castle in a new style.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberSK-C-1530
  • Dimensionsheight 39 cm x width 52 cm
  • Physical characteristicsolieverf op paneel