Armchair from the prison cell of Johan van Oldenbarnevelt c. 1600 - 1650

This simple yet sturdy armchair, dating back to the early 17th century, is a poignant reminder of the Dutch statesman Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, who was imprisoned and executed in 1619. While the chair's maker remains unknown, it's believed to have been part of the furnishings of van Oldenbarnevelt's prison cell. The chair's sturdy construction and plain design reflect the austere conditions of his confinement, while the velvet upholstery hints at his former status as a powerful figure in Dutch politics. The chair, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, serves as a poignant reminder of the Dutch Golden Age and the complex political landscape of the time.