Beeldenstorm, 1566 c. 1568 - 1572

Frans Hogenberg created this print entitled ‘Beeldenstorm, 1566.’ It illustrates the wave of iconoclasm that spread through the Netherlands during the 16th century. The Beeldenstorm, or "image storm," reflects a profound religious and social upheaval, marking a pivotal moment in the Dutch Reformation. Here we see the visceral energy of the iconoclasts as they dismantle church decorations. Statues are toppled, stained glass is shattered, and the sacred space is transformed into a scene of destruction. These actions were deeply rooted in the religious convictions of Calvinists, who viewed religious images as idolatrous. Yet, the Beeldenstorm was more than just a religious act. It was also a form of social protest, fueled by economic grievances and resentment towards the Catholic Church. The print captures the complexity and intensity of this historical moment, inviting us to reflect on the power of belief, the dynamics of social unrest, and the human impulse to challenge established authority.