Portret van Jacob de Witt 1890

Jan Veth made this print of Jacob de Witt, sometime between the late 19th and early 20th century, using etching. It is a portrait of a significant political figure from the Dutch Golden Age. Jacob de Witt was more than just a politician; he was a symbol of a specific political ideology during a turbulent period in Dutch history. As such, this image encapsulates much of the late 19th century Dutch sentiment, where prominent figures of the 17th century were elevated and mythologized to serve contemporary political goals. To understand this work fully, one should research the history of the Netherlands in the 17th century, particularly the political factions.