Johan de Witt was, in many ways, the architect of Dutch confidence in the 17th century. Born in 1625 in Dordrecht into a well-connected family, he climbed quickly through the political world and eventually became Grand Pensionary, one of the most powerful positions in the Dutch Republic.
The monument you see here, with its lion clutching two coats of arms, was made to commemorate his greatest diplomatic achievement: the Treaty of Breda in 1667. That deal ended the Second Anglo-Dutch War on terms favorable to the Republic, securing Dutch colonies and cementing de Witt's reputation as a sharp negotiator.
What many people don't realize is that he was also a gifted mathematician. His work was serious enough to catch the attention of Isaac Newton, which is no small thing.
Tragically, none of it was enough to protect him. In the catastrophic year of 1672, known as the Disaster Year, Johan and his brother Cornelis were falsely accused of treason. An enraged mob killed them both in the streets.
The lion on this monument still stands tall, which is perhaps more than history allowed the man it honors.
Sources. Story: nl.wikipedia.org Photos: Johan de Witt. Schilderij van Adriaen Hanneman uit 1652. Beeld: Museum Boijmans van Beuningen
