Spotprent op het verlies van Breda, 1625 1625

This etching, made by an anonymous artist in 1625, satirizes the loss of Breda. It offers a glimpse into the religious and political tensions of the 17th century Netherlands, specifically the conflict between Catholics and Calvinists during the Eighty Years' War. The print depicts a funeral procession of Calvinists departing from Breda after its surrender to Spanish forces. This imagery intertwines religious identity with political defeat. By portraying the Calvinists' departure as a "mourning feast," the artist critiques their loss of power and influence in the city. The detailed scenes, filled with symbolic figures and satirical elements, invite viewers to reflect on the human cost of war and the displacement of communities. The text accompanying the image consists of dialogues between a person from Brabant and someone from Holland about the events. This adds a layer of cultural commentary, highlighting regional perspectives and opinions on the situation. It shows how the experience of war was multifaceted, shaped by religious beliefs, regional identities, and political loyalties.