Usury is a great evil 1645

"Usury is a great evil" (1645) by Jacob Jordaens depicts a scene of a wealthy man, possibly a moneylender, condemning a family to poverty for being unable to pay their debts. The scene is set in a lavish interior, emphasizing the stark contrast between the wealth of the creditor and the desperation of the debtors. The dramatic use of light and shadow heightens the emotional impact of the scene, a hallmark of Jordaens' style, which combines elements of Baroque and Flemish painting traditions. This piece is a strong example of the artist's focus on moral themes and social commentary, typical of Dutch Golden Age art.