Deugdzame jongeren benutten de kwaliteiten de kansen die tijd hen biedt 1603

Theodoor Galle created this engraving titled 'Deugdzame jongeren benutten de kwaliteiten de kansen die tijd hen biedt' or 'Virtuous young people use the qualities the opportunities that time offers them', printed without a date. Galle lived and worked during a time of religious and political upheaval. The artwork presents an allegorical scene, where angelic figures, personifications, and youthful figures convene. These children are caught between divine virtues and earthly temptations, embodied by the kneeling devilish figure at the lower right. The text accompanying the image suggests that it is about embracing opportunities while remaining virtuous. The artwork, in its time, would have been a didactic tool, reflecting the values of a society concerned with moral instruction and the proper upbringing of the youth. Its imagery suggests a world where choices are fraught with spiritual consequences, highlighting the tension between worldly ambition and religious piety. Galle navigates these complexities through the careful crafting of a scene, inviting viewers to contemplate the paths they choose and the values they uphold.