Satire on the Trial of Johan van Oldenbarnevelt

Cornelis Saftleven (signed by artist), 1663

In 1619, Grand Pensionary Johan van Oldenbarnevelt was accused of high treason and sentenced to death by a special court. Prince Maurits was suspected of involvement, with speculation of a sham trial. Saftleven portrayed the judges as ferocious animals menacing the elderly Oldenbarnevelt. Inscribed on the paper is ‘Trucidata Innocenta’ (murdered innocence), referring to a scathing play about the trial by Joost van den Vondel, a supporter of Oldenbarnevelt.

  • Artwork typepainting
  • Object numberSK-A-1588
  • Dimensionsheight 63 cm x width 85.7 cm, depth 7.8 cm
  • Physical characteristicsolieverf op doek