Hugo de Groot verstopt zich in de boekenkist, 1621 19th century

This 19th century anonymous woodcut, titled "Hugo de Groot verstopt zich in de boekenkist, 1621" (Hugo de Groot hides in the book chest, 1621) depicts a historical scene. The image shows Hugo de Groot, a Dutch jurist and scholar, hiding in a chest full of books while a woman brings him more books. De Groot was imprisoned in 1621 for his political views, but he famously escaped by hiding in a book chest. The woodcut is a small, intimate scene that captures the moment of his escape. The engraving's depiction of the book chest and its use of fine linework highlights the story's ingenuity and the importance of books in de Groot's life.