Baen, Jan de – De lijken van de gebroeders de Witt, opgehangen op het Groene Zoodje aan de Vijverberg te Den Haag, 1672, 1672-1675 Rijksmuseum: part 1

The composition presents a stark and unsettling scene set within a densely wooded area. A tall wooden structure dominates the central space; it appears to be a scaffold or gallows constructed from roughly hewn timbers. Suspended from this framework are several figures, their bodies draped in what seems to be linen shrouds. The pallor of these forms contrasts sharply with the surrounding darkness and the muted tones of the foliage.
The artist has employed a dramatic chiaroscuro effect, utilizing deep shadows to obscure much of the background and focus attention on the central display. Patches of sky are visible through gaps in the trees, suggesting an overcast or twilight atmosphere. The lighting is uneven, highlighting certain areas while leaving others shrouded in obscurity, contributing to the overall sense of unease.
At the base of the structure, a small dog sits alertly, its gaze directed towards the hanging figures. A single figure, clad in dark red garments, stands slightly apart from the scaffold, positioned on the right edge of the frame. This individual’s posture and expression are difficult to discern due to the shadows, but their presence adds another layer of complexity to the scene.
The arrangement of the bodies suggests a deliberate display, perhaps intended as a public spectacle. The starkness of the setting – the bare trees, the lack of other human figures – emphasizes the isolation and gravity of the event. There is an absence of overt emotion or reaction; no mourners are present, only this canine observer and the solitary figure in red.
Subtly, the painting seems to explore themes of justice, punishment, and public perception. The anonymity afforded by the shrouds prevents individual recognition, transforming the figures into symbols rather than individuals. The dog’s presence could be interpreted as a commentary on loyalty or perhaps a symbol of primal instinct observing human actions. The solitary figure in red might represent authority or simply an indifferent witness to the unfolding events. Ultimately, the work evokes a sense of profound loss and raises questions about the nature of power and its consequences.