Titelblad van De Roomse Uilenspiegel 1671

This is the title page of "De Roomse Uylenspiegel," printed in Dordrecht, Netherlands in 1671. The anonymous print introduces a collection of Catholic legends, promising to be entertaining and instructive for Catholic readers. But why "Uylenspiegel"—or "Owl Mirror?" This title evokes a folk figure known for playing pranks, a trickster who uses wit to expose social failings. Here, the image of a winged figure carrying a laurel wreath and a spear above a port scene suggests the tales within may not be straightforward religious instruction. In the Dutch Republic of 1671, Catholic identity was complex. While officially a Protestant nation, Catholicism persisted, often practiced discreetly. "De Roomse Uylenspiegel" suggests a negotiation: claiming the space for Catholic stories within the broader culture through humor and accessible narratives. Understanding the social role of such publications requires looking into the history of printing, censorship, and religious identity in the Dutch Golden Age. It’s in these contexts that the true reflections in this "Owl Mirror" can be seen.