Titelblad voor het pamflet: De Toverlantaaren, 1701 1701

This is Romeyn de Hooghe's "Title page for the pamphlet: De Toverlantaaren", an etching made in 1701. As you can see, the image depicts a man of the cloth performing an exorcism on a woman, while others look on. De Hooghe made this in the Dutch Republic, a place known for its religious tolerance. However, this image reveals a society grappling with superstition, but also a critique of religious institutions. The "magic lantern" in the title suggests illusion and deception. Was De Hooghe commenting on the perceived theatricality of religious rituals? Was he critical of the Catholic church? To understand this artwork, we can consult pamphlets of the era, religious texts, and historical accounts. Through this research, we can begin to understand the social conditions that shape artistic production, and how art can challenge existing social norms.