Radbod laat zich niet dopen, 719 1776

Curator: This engraving by Reinier Vinkeles, created in 1776, depicts a rather dramatic scene titled "Radbod laat zich niet dopen, 719" – Radbod refusing baptism. Editor: It certainly is dramatic. The light and shadow play emphasize a stark contrast, highlighting Radbod's defiant stance. I see the monks holding a crucifix with downcast faces and Radbod is presented almost as if he were ascending a pedestal in defiance of the clergy. Curator: Yes, Vinkeles really captured the tension of that historical moment. Radbod, the Frisian king, is said to have withdrawn from baptism upon learning he wouldn't be able to meet his ancestors in heaven because they were not Christian. This work and others were commisioned for printed historical books with an enlightened idea of tolerance. Editor: That single bare foot, poised just above the font. Water, typically symbolic of cleansing and rebirth, here represents division and resistance. What can we interpret from it? I suppose it is the end of his ancestors customs as well as his end as king. Curator: Precisely! The artwork subtly reinforces Radbod's allegiance to his forefathers' beliefs. Look how the architectural details of the interior setting serve as more than just a backdrop. It frames a certain view of the social structures that shape religious identity during the period. It brings to mind a long lasting question, is someone truly free to choose if they're only presented one possibility? Editor: I appreciate how the architectural setting in itself evokes religious dominance. What appears as Gothic revival details actually is a narrative and an intentional element with Vinkeles´ signature on it. Vinkeles´ intention goes beyond depicting an event; he encapsulates a larger dialogue. The light, the shadow, even the texture achieved through engraving, all converge to underscore the cultural weight of Radbod’s choice. Curator: Absolutely. This image and others alike served to define the cultural narrative of its time. In order to cement their views and agendas through symbolism. Editor: It leaves us pondering the ongoing power of images to capture those defining moments, where history pivots. Curator: It's a striking illustration of history not just depicted, but actively constructed.