Spotprent over een kerkelijk conflict, 1886 1886

Johan Michaël Schmidt Crans created this print in 1886 to capture a moment of religious tension. The work reflects a society grappling with shifts in religious interpretation and authority. At the center, we see a figure labeled "Synodale Commissie" attempting to plow with an unevenly yoked team: a cow marked "Modern" and a donkey labeled "Calvinistisch." This imagery speaks volumes about the challenges of reconciling traditional Calvinist beliefs with emerging modern theological perspectives. The visual metaphor highlights the perceived incompatibility of these ideologies, suggesting that attempts to unite them would be both unproductive and strained. The artist subtly critiques the "Synodale Commissie's" efforts, implying that such endeavors are inherently flawed. Ultimately, this print serves as a poignant commentary on the complexities of faith, tradition, and modernity, inviting us to reflect on the tensions between these forces in our own lives.