Sententie uyt-ghesproocken ende ghepronuncieert over Iohan van Oldenbarnevelt 1619

Printed in 1619 by H. Potz, this broadside captures a pivotal moment of political and religious tension in the Dutch Republic. It announces the death sentence of Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, a statesman whose execution was deeply interwoven with the conflicts between the Remonstrants and Counter-Remonstrants. The text and heraldic imagery reflect the stark power dynamics of the era, where religious and political identities were fiercely contested. Oldenbarnevelt's story is one of high office and ultimate downfall, revealing the fragile nature of power amid religious strife. His support for religious tolerance placed him at odds with more hardline Calvinists, illustrating how personal freedoms were suppressed under the guise of maintaining social order. This broadside is more than a historical document; it's an emotional and personal artifact, encapsulating the pain and division of a society grappling with questions of belief and authority. It prompts us to reflect on the historical roots of contemporary debates around religious freedom, political power, and identity.