De vlucht van Hugo de Groot, 1621 1742

Simon Fokke made this drawing titled ‘The Escape of Hugo de Groot, 1621’ in 1742. It presents a dramatic historical episode: the escape of the jurist Hugo de Groot from Loevestein Castle. The drawing is filled with coded references. De Groot is shown leaving in a chest, aided by his wife. Fokke's work invites us to think about the image's cultural references and historical associations. Made in the Netherlands, it alludes to the country's complex history of political and religious conflict. De Groot was a key figure in the Dutch Republic, advocating for a strong central government during a time of factionalism. His imprisonment and daring escape became a symbol of resistance against tyranny. To understand this drawing, we need to delve into the political and intellectual climate of the 17th and 18th century Netherlands, consulting historical documents and political pamphlets. This work's meaning is contingent on its historical and institutional context.