Arrestatie van Paulus Buis, 1586 1782 - 1784

This engraving, "Arrestatie van Paulus Buis" by Simon Fokke, depicts a scene from 1586. It portrays the arrest of Paulus Buis in Utrecht, capturing a moment of political tension during a pivotal period in Dutch history. The artwork encapsulates the intersection of religious conflict and state power in the early modern Netherlands. Buis, a lawyer and statesman, was a key figure in the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. His arrest highlights the struggle for religious and political autonomy that defined the era. Fokke, working much later in the 18th century, revisits this historical event. Note how the artist’s rendering of the figures and the architectural details evoke a sense of the past. The composition frames Buis as a central figure, surrounded by armed men, underscoring his defiance. The print serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices made in the pursuit of freedom and self-determination. It invites us to consider how these historical struggles continue to resonate in contemporary discussions about power, resistance, and identity.