De onthoofding van Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, 1619 1619

This is a 1619 print depicting “The beheading of Johan van Oldenbarnevelt,” created by an anonymous artist. Consider the Dutch Republic in the early 17th century, a period marked by religious and political conflict. Oldenbarnevelt, a key figure in Dutch politics, was executed for treason amidst a power struggle between religious factions and tensions with the ruling House of Orange. The print captures the spectacle of public execution, reflecting the era's attitudes towards justice and power. The crowd is rendered with a detailed and graphic nature, which was meant to serve as a warning, as well as political propaganda. The choice to depict this event through printmaking also suggests an effort to disseminate a particular narrative widely. As we reflect on this image, consider how it immortalizes a moment of political violence and manipulation. What does it mean to create a spectacle of justice? This print leaves us to consider the intersection of power, politics, and public perception.