In today’s Dark History story, we’re gonna check out one of the most brutal and tragic chapters of Dutch history. The De Witt brothers, Johan and Cornelis, were once powerful figures in the Dutch Republic, but in 1672, their world would unravel in the most horrific way. Betrayed, hunted, and publicly executed by a mob driven by political hatred, the brothers’ violent end marked a turning point in the nation's political landscape. Join me as we explore their rise, their fall, and the gruesome legacy that haunts Dutch history to this day.

The Corpses of the De Witt Brothers Is part of the Rijksmuseum's permanent collection and is accessible to the public. View the painting through the digital catalog here: Rijksmuseum.nl