Radbod laat zich niet dopen, 719 1830s - 1840s

This drawing depicts Radbod refusing baptism in 719. Here, the central figure of Radbod dramatically halts his own baptism, signaling a pivotal moment of resistance. Observe his raised hand, a gesture echoing across time from ancient Roman oratory to Renaissance depictions of moral dilemmas, each instance imbued with the power of choice and consequence. This defiant gesture, resonating with the emotional charge of personal conviction, transcends mere refusal, evolving into a potent symbol of cultural identity and resistance against external forces. The presence of the cross looming in the background and the holy man dressed in immaculate robes only serve to highlight Radbod's resistance to the imposition of foreign ideology. It reveals how symbols can shift, adapting to articulate resistance and the enduring quest for self-determination.