Cornelius Musius opgehangen te Leiden, 1572 1698 - 1700

This print, made in the Netherlands in 1572 by an anonymous artist, depicts the execution of Cornelius Musius in Leiden. It raises important questions about the politics of imagery during the Dutch Revolt. Musius, a Catholic priest, was tortured and hanged by Dutch rebels. This image shows the gruesome details of his execution, with a crowd of onlookers and his body hung upside down. The scene is framed by the architecture of the city, including a prominent building in the background where another body hangs on display. The print would have been produced and distributed to a sympathetic audience. It serves as propaganda, reminding viewers of the cruelty of their oppressors and bolstering support for their cause. The architecture shown in the background of the image is very useful to historians because it helps to locate where the execution took place. Understanding the historical context is crucial to interpreting such images. Primary sources, such as pamphlets and chronicles from the period, can provide further insights into the social conditions that shaped the production and reception of this work.