Moord op de protestanten te Wassy, 1562 1565 - 1573

This print by Frans Hogenberg depicts the "Massacre of Vassy," an event from 1562. This marked a key moment in the French Wars of Religion between Catholics and Protestants. Hogenberg's image creates meaning through visual codes that would have been easily understood by his 16th-century audience. It shows armed Catholic soldiers attacking unarmed Protestant worshippers inside a barn. The event, which took place in France, reflects the religious and political tensions of the time. The French monarchy and the Catholic Church were aligned against the growing Protestant movement, leading to violence and persecution. As a historian, I would look at archival sources to understand the political history. Contemporary pamphlets and chronicles would allow us to better grasp the artist's perspective. The meaning of this artwork is contingent on the social and institutional context of the 16th century.