De opening van de nationale synode te Dordrecht 1618 - 1619

This engraving depicts the opening of the National Synod of Dordrecht and was created by an anonymous artist. The Synod, a pivotal event in Dutch history, was convened in 1618-1619 during a period of intense religious and political conflict. It was here that Reformed Protestant leaders gathered to address theological divisions, particularly the dispute between Calvinists and Arminians. Notice the assembly, dominated by male figures cloaked in somber attire. It serves as a striking visual representation of the era’s patriarchal structures and the limited roles afforded to women in religious discourse. The Synod solidified Calvinist doctrine and had profound implications for Dutch society, shaping religious identity and reinforcing social hierarchies. The image of the Synod encapsulates the complexities of its time, reflecting the ways in which religious beliefs were intertwined with issues of power, identity, and social order.