Penning op de dood van de gebroeders De Witt, 1672 1672 - 1699

This medal, created in 1672 by an anonymous artist, commemorates the death of the De Witt brothers. On one side, we see their portraits, symbols of their identity. Turn the medal, and a far more complex allegory unfolds. Here, a figure is surrounded by animal heads—a bull, a lion, and others—each representing base instincts and irrational forces. This imagery evokes the ancient motif of the "zoomorphic deity," where human figures are combined with animal attributes to symbolize the chaotic, primal aspects of human nature. Think of the Egyptian god Seth, often depicted with the head of an unidentified animal, embodying chaos and disorder. Note how this symbol has resurfaced throughout history, each time reflecting a culture's anxieties about control and the human condition. In this case, the animalistic figures embody the blind rage of the mob, leading to the brothers' tragic end. This medal serves as a chilling reminder of how easily reason can be overwhelmed by darker impulses.