Allegorisch standbeeld voor Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, terechtgesteld in 1619 1708 - 1710

Curator: Here we have a fascinating print from the early 18th century, sometime between 1708 and 1710. It depicts an allegorical monument to Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, who was executed in 1619. It's an engraving, showcasing a sculpture, possibly in a town square. Editor: Immediately, it strikes me as having such an assertive presence! The monument dominates the cityscape. It has that stark quality you get with engravings, yet still conveys such power. Curator: Absolutely. Notice the meticulous detail in the architectural rendering of the buildings surrounding the monument. Consider the technical skill required to create such fine lines and textures using engraving tools on a metal plate. What's really striking to me is how the artist, whose name we unfortunately don't have, uses the print medium to convey the very materiality and social standing of the commemorative sculpture to Van Oldenbarnevelt. Editor: The placement atop what appears to be a head—a really intriguing choice! And all those faces lining the base; almost like an adoring crowd. Or maybe not so adoring? There's a solemn, weighty feel that really sinks in the longer you look at it. It feels charged with unresolved history. Curator: Indeed. The pedestal, adorned with sculpted heads and emblems, provides further context to Oldenbarnevelt's legacy. The heads likely represent his supporters or notable figures associated with his time, while the emblems and inscriptions would have communicated specific virtues and political messages. This was about manufacturing a certain narrative through material culture, solidifying Oldenbarnevelt's place in Dutch history. Editor: It's funny, isn't it? To build a monument, literally on the head of something...or someone! The artist invites us to see the heavy burden, both literally and figuratively, of legacy. The contrast between this glorification and the knowledge of Van Oldenbarnevelt's execution generates real tension. Curator: And don't forget the intended audience, seeing this image in print. It extends the sculpture’s message through mass reproduction and consumption, contributing to public memory and historical understanding. Editor: I find myself captivated by how such a rigidly structured art form evokes so much emotional nuance. It whispers tales of betrayal and bittersweet remembrance. Curator: An intricate print then, embodying the complex interplay of power, remembrance, and the circulation of political messages in early modern society.