Gijsbrecht van Aemstel and Joost van den Vondel

Gijsbrecht van Aemstel is a legendary character and the main character in one of the most important plays in Dutch literature. The story of this brave knight and the downfall of medieval Amsterdam is an intriguing part of Dutch cultural history. Joost van den Vondel (1587-1679) based the character Gijsbrecht van Aemstel on a historical figure who became famous mainly through Vondel’s play. This stage play is one of the highlights of Dutch literature.

above: Portrait of poet and playwright Joost van den Vondel painted by Philips Koninck in 1674

Who is Gijsbrecht van Aemstel?

In literature, Gijsbrecht is a nobleman and knight from Amsterdam, who plays the leading role during the siege of the city by hostile troops around the year 1300. Although the character may be based on a real historical family, the Van Aemstels were an influential family in the region, Vondel’s story is largely fictional and highly romanticized.

What is the play about?

It is the story of a tragic hero in besieged Amsterdam. In Vondel’s play, Gijsbrecht van Aemstel defends his beloved city of Amsterdam against enemy troops. Despite his courageous efforts and loyalty, he is ultimately betrayed. The play ends with the destruction of Amsterdam, forcing Gijsbrecht to flee.

Trivia: The play was performed for centuries on New Year’s Day in Amsterdam and The Hague, until the mid-20th century.

above: Mosaic in the Stadsschouwburg ( Municipal Theatre) in Amsterdam depicting a scene from Gijsbrecht van Aemstel

Story Based on History and Legend

Although there was indeed a noble Van Aemstel family in the Middle Ages, the story is largely fictional. Joost van den Vondel used historical facts, but gave them a literary and symbolic twist.

Gijsbrecht in short: the play is set in the Middle Ages and tells the story of the downfall of Amsterdam. The city is besieged, plundered, burned down and wiped off the face of the earth. Everything is destroyed. Nothing is sacred: nuns who are raped and the bishop slaughtered on the altar.

The play ends with this sentence: Vaer wel, mijn Aemsterland: verwacht een andren heer. (Farewell, my Aemsterland: expect another lord.)

Vondel the Dutch Shakespeare

Gijsbrecht van Aemstel is considered one of the highlights in Dutch literature The play deals with universal themes such as honour, betrayal, loyalty and the battle between good and evil.

Joost van den Vondel is often called the “Dutch Shakespeare” because of his impressive contributions to Dutch literature. Gijsbrecht is his best-known and most performed work.

Streets named after the Poet

Quite a few streets in the Netherlands are named after Joost van den Vondel. The most famous is the Vondelstraat in Amsterdam and in Utrecht is the Vondellaan. Vondelpark in Amsterdam is also named after the poet who is honoured with a monument in this park.