Beschrijving
Engraving of Sicco Douwes van Aylva.
Sicco Douwes van Aylva (1734-1807) was a Dutch statesman, military officer, and leading Patriot from Friesland. After serving as a lieutenant in the Dutch army, he became grietman (regional administrator) of Westdongeradeel in 1780. He opposed the power of the House of Orange and supported greater provincial autonomy, forcing him to flee to France after the Patriot defeat in 1787. Following the Batavian Revolution in 1795, he returned to the Netherlands and became a member of the Frisian government. Although his moderate federalist views later cost him political influence, he remained active in public service until his death in 1807.
Engraving by Reinier Vinkeles.
