Etching | The Wretched Death of Cornelis and Joan de Wit | Romeyn de Hooghe

A poignant scene from one of the darkest moments in Dutch history

The Calamitous Death of Cornelis and Joan de Witt, the 20th of August, Year of Our Lord 1672. This historic print takes us back to the Disaster Year, when the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands teetered on the brink of collapse. A time of war, political division, and popular fury, which ultimately led to the gruesome death of two influential statesmen.

A dramatic story in a single image

Look closely at the scene. A crowd of people fills the streets of The Hague. Armed men push forward, while chaos and violence become visible in the foreground. In the background, we see the city buildings and the large group of onlookers who have gathered around the events.

The print brings together several moments of the tragedy in a single image. It is not a detached portrait, but a compelling historical narrative in which political unrest, violence, and the power of the crowd take center stage.

The Disaster Year 1672: the downfall of the De Witt brothers

Johan de Witt was the Grand Pensionary of Holland for many years and one of the Republic's most powerful administrators. His brother Cornelis also held an important political position. In 1672, the Republic was attacked by several foreign powers. Military setbacks and unrest among the population exacerbated political tensions.

On August 20, 1672, Cornelis and Johan de Witt were murdered by an angry mob at the Gevangenpoort in The Hague. Their deaths became one of the most notorious events in Dutch history.

Prints like this made such events visible to a public that knew nothing of photography or modern news media. They spread news, recorded political events, and partly influenced how people remembered history.

A remarkable historical document

The scene is attributed by the Rijksmuseum to Romeyn de Hooghe and is dated around 1672–1675. 

The fine linework, the many figures, and the dramatic composition make this a compelling collector's item for lovers of Dutch history, old prints, and the political history of the Republic.

The paper shows small tears on both sides. Otherwise, the print makes a beautiful impression. With a suitable frame and acid-free matting, this historical document can be beautifully presented and protected.

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