C. G. Guttenberg (after L. Defrance): Joseph II dissolves the monasteries, copperplate engraving, 1782

This engraving from the Austrian Netherlands shows a square with a statue of Emperor Joseph II in which weeping nuns and monks are gathered. The latter are shaving off their beards and having wigs fitted. Other monks are leaving a monastery earmarked for dissolution, while their belongings are inspected by officials.