De rijke man en de arme Lazarus 1541

Cornelis Anthonisz. created this woodcut, “The Rich Man and Poor Lazarus,” which you can see here at the Rijksmuseum. Reflecting the religious and social concerns of the 16th century, this artwork presents a stark visual commentary on wealth disparity. Anthonisz was working in a world of massive social change, influenced by the Reformation and economic shifts, and this piece serves as both a reflection of and a cautionary tale about these transformations. The image depicts the biblical parable. On one level, this is about religious morality, but we must also recognize its engagement with the social realities of the time. While the rich dine sumptuously, Lazarus suffers, his sores licked by dogs. This isn’t just a depiction of individual circumstances; it’s a reflection on the moral fabric of a society grappling with its conscience. Anthonisz asks us to consider what it means to live in a world where such extremes coexist. It's a deeply personal and yet universally relevant commentary on the human condition.