Aanval op de wederdopers in het stadhuis, 1535 1657 - 1659

This etching, made in 1535 by an anonymous artist, depicts the attack on the Anabaptists in the town hall. This artwork is a stark reminder of the religious conflicts that swept through Europe during the Reformation. Anabaptism, with its radical views on baptism and social justice, threatened the established order, leading to brutal suppression. The image captures the tension between the Anabaptists' fervent beliefs and the authorities' determination to maintain control. We witness soldiers charging, cannons firing, and the overall sense of turmoil. This etching invites us to consider the human cost of religious intolerance and the power dynamics at play. It encourages us to reflect on the consequences of religious persecution and the importance of safeguarding the rights of marginalized communities.