Oproep van de Engelse protestanten aan prins en prinses van Oranje, 1688 1688

This print, made in the Netherlands in 1688, depicts the English Protestants' appeal to William, Prince of Orange, and his wife Mary to intervene in England. The artwork is a piece of political propaganda, reflecting the intense religious and political strife of the period. It creates meaning through visual codes. The scene shows the Prince and Princess receiving a delegation, with a fleet of ships visible in the background ready to sail to England. This detail signifies the imminent invasion and the promise of liberation from Catholic rule under King James II. In the 17th century, the Dutch Republic was a centre of Protestant thought and resistance to Catholic powers. This print embodies that spirit, serving as a call to action. To understand this artwork better, we can research Dutch and English political pamphlets, sermons, and diplomatic correspondence. These shed light on the complex dynamics of the time and how art played a role in shaping public opinion and influencing political events. The meaning of art here hinges on a volatile mix of religion, national identity, and the ever-shifting balance of power.