Oldenbarnevelt ontvangt aanzegging van zijn doodsvonnis, 1619 1844 - 1899

This print, made by Johann Wilhelm Kaiser, depicts the somber moment Oldenbarnevelt receives news of his death sentence in 1619. The figure of Oldenbarnevelt dominates the scene, standing tall, dressed in a simple robe, leaning on a cane; the open book on the table suggests he has been interrupted at his studies. Consider the role of the cane here, an object used for support. Across time, the cane or staff appears as a symbol of authority and wisdom, think of Moses or ancient oracles, and becomes a scepter as a symbol of royal power. Oldenbarnevelt's reliance on it speaks to his age and vulnerability. Yet, the cane may also be interpreted as a vestige of his former authority, a silent echo of the power he once wielded. Notice how Kaiser captures the psychological weight of the moment, engaging us on a deep, subconscious level. The cyclical return of symbols like the cane, and their evolving interpretations, underscores how history and memory shape our understanding. Oldenbarnevelt's image thus becomes part of a larger, non-linear narrative, echoing through time.