Verhaal met voorstellingen van moord en doodstraf (F. 508.) 1667

Abraham Dircksz. Santvoort created this print depicting various acts of murder and execution. Immediately, we are confronted with grim symbols: beheadings, hangings, and other violent acts. Throughout history, these stark images of violence have served as reminders of mortality. Consider the Dance of Death motif prevalent in medieval art. The grim reaper leading individuals from all walks of life to their demise illustrates the universality of death, reminding us of our fleeting existence. Here too, the act of execution reveals societal fears and anxieties, as seen in the recurrent motifs of public executions and violent deaths in art across various cultures. The recurring depiction of extreme violence, not only reflects a fascination with the macabre but also taps into a primal, psychological need to confront the darker aspects of human nature. This cyclical return to themes of violence allows us to both recognize and grapple with the uncomfortable truths of our shared human experience.