De dood van Johan en Cornelis de Witt, 1672 1672 - 1675

This chilling print made in 1672 by an anonymous artist captures the brutal public execution of Johan and Cornelis de Witt. The brothers, who played leading roles in Dutch politics, were lynched by an enraged mob in The Hague. This work reflects the intense political and social unrest that characterized the Dutch Republic in the 17th century. The De Witt brothers were supporters of a republican political system and their demise marked a shift towards the rise of the House of Orange. The print isn't just a depiction of a historical event; it reflects the deep-seated socio-political tensions within Dutch society, which was divided between republicans and those who favored a monarchical system. It serves as a stark reminder of how political differences, when inflamed by social grievances, can lead to acts of extreme violence and public spectacle. In its raw portrayal of public violence, the print forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of power, justice, and the role of the masses in times of political upheaval. It speaks to the fragility of democracy and the ever-present danger of political extremism.