Hugo de Groot wordt in Antwerpen ontvangen door Grevinkhoven, 1621 1768 - 1771

This engraving by Gerard Sibelius depicts Hugo de Groot being received in Antwerp in 1621. However, the print itself was made much later, during the eighteenth century, in the Dutch Republic. The image alludes to a key moment in the early history of international law. Hugo de Groot, a Dutch jurist, was a key theorist in the development of international law, particularly in his arguments for freedom of the seas, and against the right to capture enemy property. This engraving shows de Groot upon his arrival in Antwerp, modern-day Belgium, after escaping imprisonment for his religious and political beliefs. It’s a scene of hospitality, but it also reflects the ongoing conflicts between the Dutch Republic and other European powers. Engravings such as this would have helped to promote Dutch political values. To better understand the work, historians examine pamphlets, books, and other printed materials from the era. We see that the meaning of art depends on its social and institutional context.