Gedicht op het zwaard waarmee Johan van Oldenbarnevelt in 1619 zou zijn onthoofd 1743 - 1745

This is a poem, written by Frans de Haes in the 18th century, reflecting on the sword said to have beheaded Johan van Oldenbarnevelt in 1619. The text, inscribed with ink on paper, speaks volumes about the cultural significance attributed to objects and events in history. Here, the act of writing itself becomes a means of imbuing the sword with layers of meaning. The poem reflects a society grappling with themes of justice, sacrifice, and the weight of history. The very act of inscription elevates the sword beyond a mere weapon. Consider the labor involved, not only in the physical act of writing but also in the intellectual work of crafting language. This poem blurs the lines between craft and fine art. It asks us to consider how the act of making, whether with a sword or a pen, shapes our understanding of the past and our place within it.