Regtspleging van Oldenbarnevelt 1710 - 1740

This satirical watercolor from the Rijksmuseum, dated 1710-1740, depicts the execution of Johan van Oldenbarnevelt, a Dutch statesman, using a monkey to represent him. He is shown on a donkey being ridden by another monkey, while others perform around him. The scene, created by an anonymous artist, is set against a backdrop of a city and framed by a curtain with the head of a man appearing from behind it. The image is a commentary on Oldenbarnevelt's political downfall and the use of animals to symbolize political figures. The image provides a humorous and satirical look at the political landscape of the Netherlands.