Interieur van de Remonstrantse (Arminiaanse) Kerk te Amsterdam c. 1726

This is a small etching of the interior of the Remonstrant Church in Amsterdam. The anonymous artist made it sometime in the 17th century. Remonstrants were followers of a theologian named Arminius, and their liberal views put them at odds with the more orthodox Calvinist establishment in the Dutch Republic. This image is part of a broadside describing different religious groups in Amsterdam. During this time, the Dutch Republic was known for its relative religious tolerance. The etching is not just a neutral depiction of a church interior. The text suggests that the Remonstrants enjoyed a ‘great freedom’ compared to other denominations. This may hint at the broader social and political dynamics at play, the image subtly promotes Amsterdam's open-minded attitude. Art historians would consult archival documents and printed sources from the period to understand better the dynamics of religious pluralism in the Dutch Republic. The image thus serves as a visual record of a specific social and institutional context.