Zesde slede (The Sixth Sleigh) - Abraham Delfos

A detailed historical illustration by Abraham Delfos depicting a ceremonial sleigh from the 1762 Leiden procession, rendered in etching and watercolour.

This work by Abraham Delfos depicts the sixth sleigh in a ceremonial procession, a visual record of the festivities held in Leiden in 1762. Delfos, a Dutch engraver and draughtsman, documented these public events with precision, capturing the specific costumes, heraldry, and decorative elements of the period. The composition is arranged in a linear fashion, typical of parade documentation, allowing the viewer to examine the details of the sleigh, the horse, and the accompanying figures.

The central figure sits within an ornate, blue-and-gold sleigh, holding a standard marked with the letters SPQL, a reference to the city of Leiden. The sleigh itself is decorated with small painted figures, while the horse is adorned with elaborate blue trappings. Two torchbearers walk alongside, their presence suggesting the event took place during a winter evening. The use of watercolour over an etched base provides a clear, descriptive quality to the scene, emphasising the textures of the velvet garments and the metallic sheen of the carriage.

Delfos was active in Leiden throughout the late eighteenth century, and his work provides a window into the civic life and pageantry of the Dutch Republic. His approach is objective and documentary, focusing on the accurate representation of the procession rather than dramatic interpretation. The clean lines and controlled application of colour reflect the orderly nature of such civic displays. This print offers a glimpse into the traditions of the era, where public processions served as a means of reinforcing local identity and civic pride. The work remains a valuable historical document for those interested in the material culture and ceremonial practices of eighteenth-century Holland.