Portret van Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, met verzen op het portret en de lijst van namen van de 24 rechters, 1619 1619

This broadside, made in 1619 by an anonymous artist, memorializes Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, a Dutch statesman. Dominating the composition is the somber portrait of Oldenbarnevelt, framed within an oval, a shape often associated with cycles of life and death, and here, perhaps, a life cut short by execution. Below the portrait, verses lament his fate, with names of judges listed, marking a historical moment of political and personal tragedy. The verses use symbolism of betrayal and martyrdom. Words like "martyr" carry a profound historical weight, linking Oldenbarnevelt's death to religious and political martyrdom across centuries. The text alludes to Oldenbarnevelt's perceived betrayal, a theme that echoes in Judas's betrayal of Christ. This broadside is not merely a record, but an emotionally charged memorial meant to resonate with deep-seated cultural memories of justice, betrayal, and sacrifice. The emotions evoked serve as a potent force, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of history and the echoes of past traumas.