Titelpagina van het pamflet: Copie van seker Refereyn by de overheerde Nederlantsche Provintien aen Hollant gheschreven / beroerende den Vrede. Met oock der Hollanders antwoorde rijms-wyse daer by ghevoecht, 1598 1598

This is an anonymous title page from 1598, a pamphlet using print to participate in a heated debate. It concerns the question of peace between Holland and the ‘overheerde’ or ‘oppressed’ Netherlandish provinces, during their revolt against Spanish rule. At the time, political discourse was shaped by religious and regional identities, here depicted through contrasting images and allegorical figures. Note the contrast between the free Dutch lion and the Netherlandish lion constrained by the Spanish inquisition. The images and text reflect the intersection of political and religious tensions inherent in the conflict between the Dutch and Spanish. The figures representing the provinces and Holland offer each other olive branches, whilst children throw stones at them – a vivid depiction of internal strife. Pamphlets such as these played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and galvanizing support for the Dutch cause. They highlight the emotional and personal dimensions of political conflict.