Verbranding van Johannes Hus 17th century

This small, anonymous, metal coin depicts ‘The Burning of Jan Hus’. It represents the execution of a Bohemian priest and philosopher for heresy in 1415. This coin wasn't just currency; it was a potent piece of propaganda. Hus was a key figure in what became the Protestant Reformation, a movement that challenged the authority of the Catholic Church. The image of his burning was a rallying cry, a visual shorthand for the corruption and oppression many felt under papal rule. Consider the context: Europe was a powder keg of religious and political tension. Images were carefully crafted to sway public opinion. Coins like these would have been circulated widely, spreading the message of resistance and dissent. Understanding this artwork requires us to delve into the history of the Reformation, to examine the role of visual culture in shaping religious identity and to explore the social conditions that fueled the desire for change. Only then can we fully appreciate the power of this small object.