De zaal in de Kloveniersdoelen te Dordrecht waar de Nationale Synode in de jaren 1618-1619 gehouden is, 1836 1836

Johannes Rutten made this watercolor in 1836 of the hall in the Kloveniersdoelen in Dordrecht, the Netherlands. The location is significant because it was here that the National Synod was held in 1618 and 1619. The Synod of Dordrecht was a pivotal moment in Dutch history. It was convened by the Dutch Reformed Church to settle a theological dispute between Calvinists and Arminians. The result was a reaffirmation of Calvinist doctrine, which had profound implications for Dutch society, politics, and culture. Rutten's image, made over two centuries later, invites us to reflect on the long shadow cast by this historical event. How does the artist engage with the memory of the Synod? Does he celebrate its outcome, or does he offer a more critical perspective? To answer such questions, we need to explore the historical context in which Rutten created his image, considering the religious, political, and intellectual currents of his time. By delving into these historical resources, we can gain a deeper understanding of the social and institutional forces that shaped both the Synod of Dordrecht and Rutten's artistic interpretation of it.