Reproductie van een schilderij van voortvluchtige protestanten tijdens de herroeping van het Edict van Nantes door Maurice Leloir before 1901

This reproduction of a painting by Maurice Leloir depicts fleeing Protestants during the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. Though the date of the artwork is unknown, the historical event it represents took place in 1685 in France. The image shows a group of people precariously traversing a rocky landscape. This references the historical persecution of Protestants, known as Huguenots, who faced increasing repression under Louis XIV, culminating in the revocation of the Edict of Nantes, which had granted them religious freedom. The revocation led to the destruction of Protestant churches and schools, and forced conversions. Many Huguenots fled France, often in secret and at great risk. This image portrays the Huguenots' plight, emphasizing their courage and resilience. To fully understand this reproduction, one might research the history of the Huguenots, the social and political context of Louis XIV's France, and the role of religion in shaping national identity. By looking at the social and institutional context, we can interpret the image's meaning as something contingent on a particular historical moment.