Overval op een klooster te Nîmes door de hugenoten, 1567 1565 - 1573

This print by Frans Hogenberg depicts the Huguenot raid on a monastery in Nîmes in 1567. The courtyard setting is dominated by figures in conflict. The contrast between the armed Huguenots and the vulnerable monks is stark, highlighting the Reformation's violent clashes. Notice the well in the courtyard's corner; a source of life, now a site of struggle. The act of violence is a recurring motif throughout history, echoing in different forms across time. This mirrors the ancient Roman motif of "furor," symbolizing unchecked rage. Such imagery is not unique to this era; it appears in ancient battle scenes, medieval allegories of vice, and even in modern depictions of war. The well, a focal point, reminds us of the cyclical nature of history, where symbols of life and sustenance become backdrops for conflict. This interplay between the sacred and profane speaks to the deep psychological tensions of religious conflict, leaving a lasting impact on the collective psyche.