"The Game Against the Monks" by Pieter van der Heyden, circa 1570

This satirical copper engraving, attributed to Pieter van der Heyden, is a striking example of anti-Catholic propaganda from the turbulent period of the Eighty Years' War (1568–1648). Created around 1571, this artwork portrays Catholic clergy engaging in gambling games such as backgammon and card games, alluding to their moral corruption and worldly pursuits.

The engraving is accompanied by verses that mock the Catholic Church, particularly highlighting the figure of "Brother Franciscus," depicted as a cunning player who refuses to surrender. While some interpretations suggest this character represents Admiral Francisco de Mendoza, it seems more plausible that "Brother Franciscus" refers to Franciscus Sonnius, the first Bishop of Antwerp, given his role in implementing Catholic reforms during this period.

The engraving reflects the growing Protestant critique of the Catholic Church's practices and hierarchy. The depiction of monks and clergy as gamblers reinforces the Protestant perspective of the Church as morally bankrupt and engaged in manipulative tactics to maintain control.

The verses that accompany the scene use humor and religious satire to amplify this message, presenting the Catholic Church as out of touch, hypocritical, and on the verge of losing its influence.

• Verse 1 mocks the Catholic clergy, with "Brother Franciscus" as a key figure, unyielding in his destructive ways.

• Verse 2 calls out the "robbers" (Catholic clergy) and warns them that the game has only just begun.

• Verse 3 laments the Church's loss of sacred objects, calling for help from the "Father in Rome."

• Verse 4 pleads for divine mercy against the "crowned beast" (a likely reference to the Pope), who seeks to destroy Protestant believers.

As a piece of visual and textual satire, "The Game Against the Monks" serves as a powerful political and religious statement. It vividly captures the tension and conflict between the Catholic Church and the emerging Protestant movement in the Low Countries.

Translation of the text

Verse 1.

O ghy valsche ketters dit wil ick strycken

Het spuel staet schoon het is ons ghewonnen

Ons Broeder Fransciscus1 vol van practyken

Die en sal niet wycken hy en heeft v verslonne[n] 

Oh you false heathens whom I will destroy,

We have well and truly won the game.

Our Brother Franciscus has his ways

He won't be moved and he will destroy you. 

Verse 2.

hola ghy roovers tspul is noch ierst beghonnen

laet staen die panden sy en roeren u niet

ick raet u voer tbeste eer ghy werf versyonden

want u valsche treken den heere siet 

Hey, you robbers, the game has just begun

Leave things as they are, don't move

I recommend you do your best before you who are destroyed

Because the Lord sees your falseness. 

Verse 3. 

O lacy ochermen wat is ons geschiet

Ons kelcken ceboerien tis al verulogen

O vader van Romen ons bystant biet

Cap en covel het wert al wt getoghen 

Oh, we unfortunates, what has happened to us

Our chalice and ciborium are lost

Oh, Father in Rome, help us

Cape and cowl have already been taken 

Verse 4.

O almachtighen godt behoef ons doch ghenadelyck

Voert ghecroonde beest met syn geschoeren

Die ons soecken te vernielen seer ongestadelyck

En so verradelyck u woert versinoeren 

Oh, Almighty God, protect us through your mercy.

The crowned one [i.e., the pope] with his brutal forces

Seeks to destroy us in his wickedness.

Godliness will be overwhelmed.

Later versions of this print