Processie van geestelijken 1495 - 1546

This print, "Processie van geestelijken," or "Procession of Clergy," is by an anonymous artist. It shows a parade of religious figures, their postures and the objects they carry suggesting satire. In a time of rigid social structures, religious figures held considerable power, influencing not only spiritual but also political and economic aspects of life. The anonymous nature of this work speaks to a society where critiquing authority, especially religious authority, could be dangerous. The act of observing and depicting this procession, imbued with a critical eye, becomes a form of resistance. What does it mean to mock those in power? The figures are depicted with a level of ridicule, challenging the Church's narratives. This is not just about the visual; it's about the emotional response it evokes, inviting viewers to question the status quo. This print serves as a reminder of the courage required to question power and the role art plays in reflecting and shaping societal change.