Geloof veroorzaakt vervolging 1550

Dirck Volckertsz Coornhert made this engraving, entitled ‘Geloof veroorzaakt vervolging’, or ‘Faith Causes Persecution’, at an unknown date. The image shows a female personification of faith, holding a cross in one hand and scriptures in the other. The work was made in the Netherlands, at a time of religious conflict. The Protestant Reformation had challenged the authority of the Catholic Church, leading to wars and persecution. The image suggests that strict adherence to faith leads to persecution, a commentary on the religious intolerance of the time. This was a period when institutions like the church and state were intertwined, and religious beliefs had significant political and social consequences. Understanding Coornhert’s print requires us to consider the historical context in which it was made, using primary sources such as pamphlets, sermons, and political documents to understand the nuances of religious debate during this period. By studying these materials, we can gain a deeper appreciation of the print’s meaning and its relevance to the social and political issues of its time.