Terechtstelling van monniken te Gent wegens sodomie, 1578

This print, *Terechtstelling van monniken te Gent wegens sodomie*, was made in 1578 by Frans Hogenberg. It depicts the execution of monks in Ghent for the crime of sodomy. During the late 16th century, the repression of any deviation from established norms was the order of the day. Sexuality, in particular, was not seen as a private matter but as something that fell squarely within the purview of both church and state. This work serves as a stark reminder of the intersection of religious authority, societal expectations, and the brutal consequences of nonconformity. Hogenberg’s print illustrates the very public spectacle of punishment. Consider how the artist's depiction emphasizes the vulnerability of the condemned, stripped of their status and dignity. What does it mean for a society to publicly display such cruelty? This image invites us to reflect on the power dynamics at play. The print may also be seen as a form of propaganda, reinforcing the dominant ideology and warning against any form of dissent.