Moord op de hertog de Guise, 1563 1570

Jean Perrissin created this woodcut print entitled 'Moord op de hertog de Guise' in 1563. It illustrates the assassination of Francis, Duke of Guise, a pivotal event during the French Wars of Religion. This work reflects the intense political and religious conflicts of 16th-century France, where identities were deeply intertwined with religious affiliation. The Duke of Guise, a leader of the Catholic faction, was murdered by a Protestant, Jean Poltrot de Méré. This event intensified the already fraught dynamic between Catholics and Protestants, contributing to a cycle of violence and retribution. Perrissin’s choice to depict this assassination highlights not only the political turbulence, but also the personal and emotional stakes for those caught in the crossfire. The print captures a moment of betrayal and violence. This work also serves as a historical document, capturing the brutal realities of religious conflict and its impact on individual lives.