Het verraad van Rennenberg, 1580 1787

Theodoor Koning's engraving, made around 1780, depicts a scene of betrayal, heavy with symbolic gestures. At its heart lies a crucifix, a potent symbol of faith and sacrifice. Yet here, it looms over a scene of deceit, as Rennenberg swears allegiance to Spain, betraying his Dutch compatriots. We see him kneeling, raising his hand, seemingly in a false oath. The act of swearing, accompanied by a raised hand, echoes through history, from ancient Roman oaths to modern courtroom pledges. Its transformation reveals a deeper human struggle with truth and deception, a theme that pervades art and culture. This gesture, once a symbol of integrity, is here subverted, revealing the psychological tension between outward display and inner corruption. The composition conveys the intense emotional weight of this moment, a snapshot of moral conflict. The cyclical nature of betrayal—a recurring theme in human history—reveals itself, continually resurfacing.