Johan en Cornelis de Witt overvallen in hun kamer in de Gevangenpoort, 1672 1853 - 1855

This print, made in 1672 by an anonymous artist, captures a moment of violent intrusion. The composition divides the space starkly: to the left, a throng of armed figures bursts into the room, their forward momentum emphasized by their overlapping forms and dynamic poses; to the right, the interior suggests domesticity interrupted. The bed, with its heavy drapes, serves as a focal point, drawing the eye to the vulnerable figure within. The print employs a range of tonal variations to enhance the drama. Light and shadow play across the scene, accentuating the contrast between the intruders and their victims. The spatial arrangement and the use of light serve a dual purpose. They not only draw us into the immediate scene of violence but also invite a reflection on the broader political and social structures that inform this act, destabilizing our understanding of justice and power.