Rijkdom brengt seks en alcohol in het klooster 1604

This engraving, made by Dirck Volckertsz Coornhert in the late 16th century, uses a scene of classical allegory to reflect on the state of the church. Coornhert cleverly stages the main action in the foreground: Venus, Cupid, and Bacchus cavort in front of a monastery. Here, they represent the intrusion of earthly desires into sacred spaces. The artist underscores his point with a hunting scene in the background. The overall composition leads us to question the role of religious institutions in shaping moral behavior, suggesting they have become corrupted by the pleasures of the flesh. This print offers insights into the artist's own reformist views. Coornhert rejected the dogmas of the church and his belief in individual conscience and reason is reflected in his critique of the institutions of his day. Looking at sources from the period, such as religious pamphlets and institutional records, helps us to understand the social and political context in which Coornhert produced this image. In doing so, we gain a deeper understanding of the ways art engages with the urgent issues of its time.