The Synod of Dordrecht, François Schillemans, 1618 - 1619
This print was commissioned by the States General, the administrative body of the Dutch Republic. It depicts the meeting (synod) of Calvinist ministers that took place in Dordrecht from November 1618 and lasted more than six months. The main aim was to settle the conflict between the Reformed Church and the more liberal Remonstrants. The ecclesiastical, orthodox line prevailed: deviating views were forbidden and Remonstrant ministers were expelled from office.