Ivoren doosje waarop gebroeders de Witt staan afgebeeld 1650 - 1700

This ivory box depicts the brothers Cornelis and Johan de Witt. The box serves as a powerful artifact, encapsulating the turbulent emotions surrounding the de Witt brothers, two prominent figures in Dutch history. Their side-by-side portrait is reminiscent of ancient Roman portraiture, evoking the stoicism and civic virtue associated with republican ideals. Yet, unlike the glorification of emperors, here, the de Witts are presented with a somber air. The brothers, who were brutally murdered, appear together, a symbol of unity. This iconography transcends time, echoing in later works that memorialize figures of political significance. The collective memory of such figures and events influences how subsequent generations perceive and represent authority and sacrifice. It's as if history itself is a palimpsest, with each layer informing the next. This potent symbol is not merely historical; it is a testament to how the past continues to shape our understanding of power, morality, and remembrance.