The Synod of Dordrecht 1618 - 1619

François Schillemans created this print of The Synod of Dordrecht in the early 17th Century. It depicts a pivotal moment in Dutch religious history. The Synod was a national conference held in 1618-1619 by the Dutch Reformed Church to address theological controversies, primarily related to the teachings of Jacobus Arminius. Notice the physical setting, with delegates arranged in a formal, hierarchical space. The architecture emphasizes the importance of order and structure in theological debate. But look closer. How does the image create meaning through visual codes? The gathering's composition, with its clear division between the audience and the assembly, speaks to the rigid social hierarchies of the time. The text in the upper-right corner and key at the bottom are interesting features. As art historians, we delve into such prints as crucial sources to uncover the complex interplay between religion, politics, and society. The Rijksmuseum archives could provide further context for this fascinating piece.