A detailed seventeenth-century etching depicting the escape of Dominicus Sapma from the Amsterdam Rasphuis in 1621.

This etching depicts a specific historical event from 1621: the escape of the Remonstrant preacher Dominicus Sapma from the Rasphuis in Amsterdam. The Rasphuis functioned as a house of correction where inmates were tasked with rasping brazilwood. Sapma, imprisoned for his religious convictions, managed to flee the facility by disguising himself in his wife's clothing.

Barent de Bakker captures the scene with a focus on architectural precision and narrative clarity. The composition centres on the imposing stone gateway of the Rasphuis, a structure defined by classical columns and decorative masonry. Sapma is shown in the foreground, moving away from the entrance while dressed in female attire, a detail that provides both historical context and a sense of the clandestine nature of the act. The surrounding streetscape reflects the urban environment of seventeenth-century Amsterdam, with figures positioned to suggest the scale and atmosphere of the city.

The print demonstrates the technical capabilities of the Dutch etching tradition during this period. The line work is controlled and precise, allowing for the clear delineation of stone textures, clothing folds, and the architectural features of the gateway. By documenting this event, the artist provides a visual record of a moment that resonated within the religious and social climate of the Dutch Republic. The work serves as a piece of historical reportage, capturing the tension of the escape against the backdrop of a well-known municipal building. The inclusion of the date and the specific subject matter aligns with the period's interest in recording contemporary events and local history through the medium of printmaking. This piece offers a glimpse into the intersection of personal narrative and public life in early modern Amsterdam.