Onthoofding van arminianen te Leiden en Rotterdam, 1623 1623

This print, made in 1623 by Claes Jansz. Visscher, depicts the beheadings of Arminians in Leiden and Rotterdam. These executions took place against the backdrop of intense religious and political conflict in the Dutch Republic. The image shows the public spectacle of justice, with the condemned surrounded by onlookers. Issues of religious freedom, state power, and individual conscience are interwoven in this scene. The Arminians, who challenged strict Calvinist doctrines, were seen as a threat to the established order. This piece reflects the identities and histories of those involved, from the executed to the spectators. Visscher captures an emotional and experiential aspect of this historical event. It serves not only as a record but also as a reflection on societal issues, highlighting the personal dimensions of faith, persecution, and justice during this tumultuous period.