De Weegschaal, 1618 1618

"De Weegschaal" (The Scales), an etching by Salomon Savery, depicts a scene of allegorical justice. Dated 1618, the print shows a large scale, likely symbolizing the balance of power or justice. The figures in the scene represent the participants in the conflict between Arminianism and Gomarism, two factions of Calvinism that were in theological dispute at the time. The scene is full of symbolism, with the weight of the scale representing the weight of the different arguments. This artwork provides insight into the political and religious climate of the Netherlands in the early 17th century.