Monument voor de Hervormde Kerk van Nederland, vanaf 1566 1780 - 1796

This print, "Monument for the Reformed Church of the Netherlands, from 1566," was made by Theodoor Koning. It uses etching to produce its intricate lines. It commemorates the Dutch Reformed Church, which emerged in the 16th century amid religious and political upheaval. The image is structured as a monument, flanked by classical columns and draped curtains, suggesting the church's foundational importance to Dutch society and its institutions. Smaller scenes depict key moments in the church's history, reflecting the cultural and political context of the Netherlands. Given the struggles for independence from Spanish rule, the Reformed Church became intertwined with Dutch national identity. These images create meaning through references to religious doctrine, historical events, and social values, which are all part of the visual code of the time. To fully appreciate this print, one might research the history of the Dutch Reformation, the role of the church in Dutch society, and the artistic conventions of memorial prints. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.