The Tragic Oppression of the Netherlands, 1569 1569

This anonymous etching, titled "The Tragic Oppression of the Netherlands" (1569), depicts a gruesome scene of Dutch Protestants being executed by the Spanish authorities. The image, held at the Rijksmuseum, is a powerful testament to the brutality of the Eighty Years' War, a period of religious persecution and revolt in the Netherlands. The graphic portrayal of torture and death serves as a powerful anti-Catholic propaganda tool, highlighting the suffering inflicted upon the Dutch people. The work's detailed composition, using intricate lines and shading, contributes to its sense of historical realism and visceral impact, making it a significant piece of Dutch history and art.