Quaakersvergadering 1658 - 1709

Carel Allard created this print, "Quakers Meeting," sometime between 1648 and 1709, likely in the Netherlands, using etching. This image purports to show a gathering of Quakers, a religious group that emerged in England in the mid-17th century and spread to the European continent. The artist creates meaning by presenting the figures in plain dress with sombre expressions, gathered in a sparse room, elements that aligned with the Quaker values of simplicity and humility. Allard seems to emphasize the Quaker practice of allowing women to preach, which was very progressive for the time. Historical sources indicate that in the 17th century, the Dutch Republic was known for its relative religious tolerance, which allowed groups like the Quakers to practice more freely than in other parts of Europe. Prints like this one are valuable historical documents, offering insights into the social and religious dynamics of the time. Further research into Dutch social history and the history of Quakerism would reveal even more about the context and meaning of this image.