Johan de Witt (1625-1672)

About this artwork

factory mark

Art Historical Context

This elegant porcelain figure portrays Johan de Witt, the influential Dutch statesman who served as Grand Pensionary of Holland during the Dutch Golden Age. Produced by the Manufacture Oud-Loosdrecht factory between 1782 and 1784—more than a century after de Witt’s tragic assassination in 1672—the sculpture captures the enduring public fascination with this republican leader who championed peace and economic prosperity. Oud-Loosdrecht, one of the earliest successful porcelain manufacturers in the Netherlands, created such portrait figures as part of a broader interest in national heroes during the late eighteenth century. The work’s modest scale (just over 22 centimeters tall) suggests it was intended for domestic display, allowing collectors to honor de Witt’s legacy in their homes. Crafted in fine porcelain, the piece reflects the technical achievements of European factories striving to rival imported Chinese wares. Its presence of a factory mark underscores the growing pride in domestic production and the artistry involved in modeling delicate features and drapery in this challenging medium.