De boekenkist waarin Hugo de Groot verstopt zit, wordt in Slot Loevestein naar de roeiboot gedragen, 1621 c. 1800 - 1850

This print from 1621, by an anonymous artist at the Rijksmuseum, depicts Hugo de Groot's escape from Loevestein Castle. Here we see De Groot hidden in a book chest, carried by guards, while two women look on. De Groot, a significant figure in Dutch legal history, was imprisoned for his involvement in religious and political conflicts. This image reflects a moment of defiance against the established order. What strikes me is the visual narrative of confinement versus liberation, and how this narrative subtly questions the boundaries of justice and freedom. The presence of the women adds a layer of intrigue. Were they complicit, and what risks did they face by aiding in his escape? The print serves as a potent reminder that the pursuit of freedom often involves a complex interplay of risk, complicity, and the challenging of societal norms.