Johan van Oldenbarnevelt op het schavot, 1619 1747 - 1759

This etching by Dutch artist Simon Fokke depicts the execution of Johan van Oldenbarnevelt in 1619. The scene is set in the public square, with a large crowd gathered to witness the event. Oldenbarnevelt, a prominent Dutch statesman, was convicted of treason and executed by beheading. The print captures the somber mood of the event, with a focus on Oldenbarnevelt's final moments as he is led to the scaffold. The etching is part of a larger series of prints created by Fokke, which depict historical figures and events in Dutch history. The artwork, currently housed in the Rijksmuseum, provides a glimpse into the political turmoil of the Dutch Republic in the 17th century and serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of political power struggles.