Moord op de gebroeders de Witt 1672

This silver medal depicting the ‘Murder of the de Witt Brothers’ was created in the 17th century by Monogrammist IVR. The shiny, reflective surface of the medal catches the light, drawing our attention to the intricate details of the scene. The design is split into two distinct areas, the one half showing a dramatic scene with figures pulling a cart, the other half exhibiting text. The medal presents a stark contrast between its polished surface and the brutal imagery it portrays. The circular form of the medal, traditionally associated with unity and wholeness, is here subverted by the depiction of violence and division. This dissonance challenges the viewer to reconcile the aesthetic appeal of the object with the disturbing content it conveys. The artist has successfully used the medal to engage with themes of power, betrayal, and the fragility of social order. The medal's enduring presence in the Rijksmuseum invites ongoing contemplation and debate.