Execution of Arminians in Leiden 1623

This print by Claes Jansz. Visscher captures the execution of Arminians in Leiden. The central image depicts a public square, where the beheadings take place. The arrangement of the figures around the square suggests a stage, with the ritual of justice playing out. But consider the axe, the executioner’s tool. Throughout history, the axe appears as a symbol of both justice and barbarity, a duality that stirs deep emotional responses. We find it in ancient Roman iconography and medieval heraldry, each time evoking themes of power and mortality. In Visscher's print, this symbol is rendered with a stark sense of finality. It resonates with our collective memory of violence, compelling us to confront the darker aspects of human nature. The cyclical recurrence of such symbols reveals a continuous dialogue between past and present, influencing our subconscious understanding of justice and authority. This print is not just a historical record, but a mirror reflecting our enduring fascination with, and fear of, power.