Oproer te Amsterdam, 1567 1780 - 1784

Simon Fokke made this print depicting the ‘Oproer te Amsterdam, 1567’ – the riot in Amsterdam in 1567 – sometime in the 18th century. Fokke's print offers a glimpse into the turbulent times of 16th-century Amsterdam. The image shows us the city's architecture, town square, and the people involved in the uprising. Amsterdam at this time was under the rule of the Spanish Habsburgs, and simmering religious and political tensions eventually erupted into open revolt. The riot of 1567 was triggered by the suppression of Protestant religious practices by the Spanish authorities. The artist transports us back, visually commenting on the social structures of his own time and the ever-present push and pull between conservative and progressive elements in society. Delving into archives, historical accounts, and other visual sources, it’s possible to uncover the complex layers of meaning embedded in this image. The artwork is a reminder that art doesn’t exist in a vacuum; instead, it reflects the social and institutional contexts from which it emerges.