Dood van de gebroeders De Witt en de verminking van hun lichamen, 1672 1672

This anonymous print from 1672 depicts the gruesome murder of the De Witt brothers, a stark reminder of a dark chapter in Dutch history known as the "Rampjaar," or disaster year. Amidst political turmoil and war, Johan and Cornelis de Witt, leading figures of the Dutch Republic, were brutally killed by an enraged mob in The Hague. This image captures the raw violence of that moment, reflecting the deep divisions within Dutch society and the fragility of political power. The De Witt brothers were republicans who were murdered by Orangists, who supported the House of Orange. The print underscores how political tensions intertwined with questions of identity and allegiance, shaping the course of history. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of division and the enduring power of collective emotions in shaping historical narratives.