Satire on the trial of Johan van Oldenbarneveldt 1663

Cornelis Saftleven's "Satire on the trial of Johan van Oldenbarneveldt" is an oil painting from 1663 that depicts a satirical scene with a variety of animals as allegorical representations of political figures involved in the trial of Johan van Oldenbarneveldt. The painting, measuring 63 cm in height and 86 cm in width, is a powerful commentary on the political climate of the Dutch Republic. The central figure, an elephant in a hat, is generally interpreted to represent Oldenbarneveldt himself, and the other animals, including a lion, a dog, and a goat, represent other notable figures involved in the trial. The painting is a fascinating example of the use of animal allegory in 17th-century Dutch art and offers a unique insight into the political tensions of the time.