[Johan van Oldenbarnevelt] - Provisionele openinghe van verscheyden saecken - 1618

On the remonstrance of Johan van Oldenbarnevelt from 1618

Provisional opening of diverse matters set forth in the remonstrance of the lord advocate of Holland and West Friesland. For further instruction, both of their Majesties as of all faithful patriots and lovers of the fatherland. wherein also the nullity of the aforesaid false Spanish and Jesuitical practices is briefly shown - 1618 - 42 pp - 20 x 15.5 cm - uncut copy

Condition: poor.
Incomplete, 42 of the 58 pages, edge wear

crucial historical document that sits right in the middle of the most famous power conflict in Dutch history: the bitter struggle between raadpensionaris Johan van Oldenbarnevelt and Prince Maurice of Orange.
It concerns a razor-sharp political defense (a provisional opening) that directly responds to the famous Remonstrance which Van Oldenbarnevelt had presented to the States of Holland shortly before to save his own neck and political course.

Historical Context & Meaning

In 1618 the Republic of the Seven United Netherlands was deeply divided during the Twelve Years’ Truce by the religious and political conflict between the Remonstrants (Arminians) and Contra-Remonstrants (Gomarists). Van Oldenbarnevelt, who had chosen the side of the Remonstrants, was accused by his political enemies and the supporters of Prince Maurice of treason.
This specific pamphlet is written from the camp of his fierce opponents. It served to warn all loyal patriots and attempted to show that the arguments of the lands advocate were invalid (nullity). The enemies of Van Oldenbarnevelt went so far as to accuse him of "valsche spaensche ende Jesuytische practijcquen" — a deathly accusation at the time implying that he colluded with the arch-enemy Spain to undermine the Protestant faith.
Only shortly after the appearance of pamphlets like this, on 29 August 1618, Van Oldenbarnevelt was arrested, which eventually led in May 1619 to his execution at the Binnenhof.

Why is this piece valuable for collectors?

• The turning point of the Golden Age: Documents that directly relate to the fall and trial of Van Oldenbarnevelt are among the most sought-after historical pamphlets (the so-called Knuttel pamphlets) in Dutch history.