Opening van de synode van Dordrecht, 1618 1729

Bernard Picart produced this print of the Opening of the Synod of Dordrecht sometime after the event in 1618. The Synod was a pivotal moment in Dutch religious history, convened to settle theological disputes within the Dutch Reformed Church. Picart's image shows the assembly in session, packed with theologians and dignitaries, all men of course. Surrounding the central image are texts outlining the articles of faith debated during the synod. The visual codes here—orderly rows, formal attire, a sense of solemnity—convey the authority and importance of the event. This image reflects the intersection of religious, political, and social forces in the Dutch Republic. The Synod itself was orchestrated to solidify a particular Calvinist doctrine, impacting the social fabric of the nation. To understand this print fully, one must delve into the religious history of the Netherlands, exploring primary sources and theological tracts from the period. The meaning of art is always contingent on its historical context.