Moord op de gebroeders de Witt 1672

This silver medal, created by Monogrammist IVR in the 17th century, captures the "Moord op de gebroeders de Witt," a dark chapter in Dutch history. The primary image presents a chariot scene: figures pulling and riding, alluding to power and dominance, while the depiction of the slain brothers de Witt above foreshadows their gruesome fate. The chariot as a symbol of triumph and control echoes through the ages, from Roman imperial processions to Renaissance allegories of Fame. Yet, here, it carries a sinister twist. This emblem of victory is tainted by the barbarity of mob violence, a stark contrast to its classical connotations. It reflects a potent psychological tension between the desire for order and the chaotic undercurrents of collective rage. Observe how such symbols resurface, their meanings transformed, carrying the weight of history and the echoes of humanity’s deepest impulses.