I am delighted and honored to share with you that my painting, “The Three Marys at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,” was unveiled today at the Freedom Museum in Groesbeek. This artwork was my entry for the television program “The New Vermeer.” But more importantly, it tells an important story about freedom that needs to be told and retold.

As our freedom comes under increasing pressure, I wanted to create a work of art that would artistically reflect this pressure. My mother inspired this painting by taking me as a child to the American Cemetery in Margraten. There she taught me about the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom and democracy. I wanted to make sure that these sacrifices were not forgotten, so I incorporated a lot of symbolism into my work. I will tell you more about this later.

It is difficult to put into words how I feel right now. Privileged, proud, and yet humble because of the task that lies ahead. I created this painting to share a message of hope and reflection. And by sharing it with others, I hope that its impact will be multiplied.

This painting, which incidentally made it to the final of the program, is inspired by religious works from the 17th century, and in particular, Vermeer’s lost Three Marys at the Tomb of Christ. They were intended to promote self-reflection, meditation, and (private) prayer. It is therefore appropriate that it now hangs in the Freedom Museum, which wants to convey the same message to a modern audience.

Let us not forget the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom and democracy, and let us work together to ensure that these values endure for future generations.

The painting can be seen until December 31, 2023, at the Freedom Museum, Wylerbaan 4, Groesbeek.