Clementie van keizer Jozef II aan de protestanten, 1783 1782

Mathias de Sallieth created this print titled *Clementie van keizer Jozef II aan de protestanten* in 1783. It commemorates Emperor Joseph II's Edict of Tolerance, a landmark moment for religious freedom in the Austrian Empire. This image, however, is not just a straightforward record; it's a carefully constructed piece of propaganda. Look at how the artist has staged the scene. Joseph II is elevated, almost god-like, surrounded by allegorical figures, while the grateful Protestants are below. This hierarchical composition reinforces the power dynamic between the ruler and the ruled. The scene depicts a narrative of the Emperor as a benevolent leader bestowing favor upon his Protestant subjects, a narrative that certainly served the political interests of the time. It prompts us to consider whose stories are being told and how power shapes historical narratives. Despite its propagandistic nature, it still evokes a sense of hope and relief, a reminder of the human desire for religious freedom.