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

This anonymous print from 1672, titled "Death of the De Witt Brothers," graphically depicts a brutal moment in Dutch history using etching. The stark black and white medium emphasizes the harshness of the scene. The composition is dominated by a central vertical axis, where the brothers' bodies hang, drawing the eye upward into the chaotic scene of violence. This verticality contrasts sharply with the horizontal sprawl of the rioting crowd, creating a visual tension. The artist uses line work to convey texture and emotion. The dense, chaotic lines describing the crowd evoke a sense of frenzy, while the more precise lines used for the bodies on display offer a gruesome, detailed look at the consequences of political turmoil. This piece destabilizes the traditional heroic portrayal of leaders, challenging viewers to confront the darker aspects of collective action and state power.