De synode van Dordrecht, 1618 1618 - 1619

In this print by François Schillemans, we see the Synod of Dordrecht, rendered in 1618 with the surprisingly modern medium of etching. Think about the labor involved; each line a product of intense concentration. This wasn't just drawing; it was physical work, a kind of proto-industrial process. Look closely, and you'll see the mark of the etcher's hand – the subtle variations in line weight, the areas of denser hatching to create shadow. These are not merely aesthetic choices; they reflect the artist’s skilled manipulation of tools and materials. The image itself speaks to the social context: a religious gathering, meticulously documented, and made accessible through the repeatable medium of printmaking. Schillemans' work invites us to consider the role of images in shaping public opinion, and the quiet revolution that came with techniques that democratized image production. We move beyond the traditional hierarchy of unique artworks, to appreciate the profound impact of accessible images in society.