III. The Price of Iconoclasm: Liability and the Reparation of Churches in the Work of Petrus Peckius (1529–1589)

Abstract

Summary This paper analyzes the juridical issues concerning the material reparation of churches and sacred objects after the Iconoclastic Fury in 1566–1567, based on the works of Petrus Peckius (1529–1589). The Fury left an unprecedented path of destruction in many towns of the Low Countries. It presented society not only with political and religious challenges but also with a myriad of legal ones. As a Leuven law professor in this time of chaos, Peckius published the treatise “De sacrosanctis et catholicis Christi ecclesiis reparandis ac reficiendis” (1573). Peckius’ take on the theme reveals an intricate analysis of the varied circumstances of destruction, the means of funding the repairs, and the liability of different actors – from the perpetrators of the destruction themselves to the prelate, the parishioners, and even town magistrates. After an initial overview of the Iconoclastic Fury and a brief biographical note on Peckius and his works, this paper will present Peckius’ ideas in a ‘timeline’ of three phases: going, respectively, from the assessment of damages and planning the extent of restoration; to considerations on liability; and, finally, to the juridical means of enforcement. Along with each phase, we provide critical reflections on Peckius’ influences and positions in the context of the Iconoclastic Fury.