d'Grote Seeff, 1618 1618

This print, d'Grote Seeff, was made in 1618 by an anonymous Dutch artist, and it offers a fascinating window into the political turbulence of the Netherlands at the time. The image visualizes a satirical commentary on the "great sieve," a metaphor for political cleansing. The sieve, filled with figures representing various societal elements, is vigorously shaken. Above, Justitia, or Lady Justice, presides, ostensibly ensuring fairness, but the chaotic scene suggests otherwise. Made during the Twelve Years' Truce between the Dutch Republic and Spain, the print likely reflects tensions between different political and religious factions within Dutch society. The competing 'Mogende Macht' or 'Nassauwsche Kracht,' represent power structures at odds with one another. Was the artist trying to expose the hypocrisy and self-interest of those in power? As historians, our job is to piece together such meanings, examining pamphlets, letters, and other visual sources to reveal the intentions of the artist, and the social and institutional forces that shaped this work.