Zondige jongeren verkwisten hun tijd met spel en plezier 1603

This engraving by Theodoor Galle, made around the turn of the 17th century, illustrates the wasteful pursuits of sinful youths. Dominating the scene, we see the figures of devils. Consider the devil holding a badminton racket, a symbol of frivolous pastimes. This echoes motifs from earlier eras where playing cards or dice appear, signifying moral decay. Yet, the presence of the demons harkens back to medieval morality plays, where devils tempted man into sin, a theme widespread in European art. Think of the many depictions of demons in illuminated manuscripts and gothic frescoes; these representations are not static. They evolve, adapting to cultural anxieties, resurfacing time and again to serve as reminders of our darker impulses and the eternal struggle between temptation and virtue, engaging our subconscious. The image is a potent reminder of the cyclical nature of such symbols, their endurance, and capacity to reflect our ever-changing fears and desires.