The room of Cornelis de Witt in prison The Gevangenpoort, The Hague, 1844 1844

Jacobus Ludovicus Cornet made this watercolor of Cornelis de Witt's prison room in The Hague in 1844, offering us a stark glimpse into captivity and political turmoil. Cornelis de Witt, a prominent Dutch politician, was falsely accused of plotting against William of Orange. This image reflects the fraught political climate of the Dutch Republic during the late 17th century. De Witt, along with his brother Johan, represented a republican faction, and their brutal murders in 1672 marked a turning point in Dutch history. Cornet painted this scene long after the event. The room itself, rendered in muted tones, evokes a sense of confinement and isolation. The light filtering through the window highlights the bareness of the space, emphasizing the vulnerability of its occupant. With its stark simplicity and historical weight, this watercolor serves as a somber reminder of the human cost of political conflict. The starkness of this piece leaves room to reflect on the significance of justice, and the power of the state.