1966.131.63.b
Johann (1625–1672) and Cornelius (1623–1672) De Witt
Artist
Artist Unidentified (Netherlandish)
Title
Johann (1625–1672) and Cornelius (1623–1672) De Witt
Creation Date
1672
Century
mid-17th century
Dimensions
1 7/8 in. (4.8 cm.)
Classification
Medals/Plaquettes
Creation Place
Europe, Netherlands
Medium and Support
silver
Credit Line
Gift of Amanda Marchesa Molinari
Copyright
This artwork may be under copyright. For further information, please consult the Museum’s
Copyright Terms and Conditions.
Accession Number
1966.131.63.b
The two ships colliding into a cliff on the reverse of this medal serve as a metaphor for the unfortunate demise of the de Witt brothers themselves. Made as a memorial to the brothers, this medal uses the image of ships torn apart from crashing into mountainous rocks as an analogy for their dramatic deaths by public lynching. The text, “The same spirit and the same fate,” inscribed above the ships on the medal, expresses the fraternal bonds between Johann and Cornelius.
Object Description
324 JOHANN and CORNELIUS DE WITT
Obv. Same as no. 323
Rev. Two ships on heavy seas being driven against a cliff. Around, VNA MENTE ET SORTE . ; on rim, * NAVEMQUE VIROSQUE SUB OEQUORE MERSIT * HAGAE . 20 AVG . A'O . 1672 .
Silver, struck, 48 mm.
See no. 253 (Pierre Aury).
Bibl.: Van Loon 3, p. 81 (ill.); p. 84, no. 4.
