Aflaatbrief gegeven door Joannes Angelus Arcimboldus, 1517 1827 - 1829

This is an indulgence issued in 1517 by Joannes Angelus Arcimboldus, reproduced much later by Johannes Paulus Houtman. These documents were essentially pardons sold by the Catholic Church, promising remission of sins. At this time, the Church was a powerful institution, and this practice was a means of raising funds, but it was also deeply entwined with social control. The Church offered spiritual solace in exchange for earthly wealth, creating a system where salvation seemed attainable through financial transactions. The sale of indulgences was controversial, particularly as it relates to class. It highlights the tension between spiritual promises and material realities. The emotional and experiential impact on individuals who purchased these indulgences is critical. It reflects a society grappling with faith, fear, and the hope for redemption, as well as the socio-economic issues of the time. This document serves as a stark reminder of the historical factors that shaped religious practices and their effect on individual lives.