Lazarus bedelt in het huis van de rijke man 1629

Christoffel van Sichem II created this woodcut depicting "Lazarus Begging at the House of the Rich Man." The image is dominated by the contrast between opulence and destitution, a theme explored through symbolic representation. Note the figure of Lazarus, positioned in stark contrast to the feasting rich man. In the background, we see a depiction of the afterlife, reinforcing the religious undertones of divine judgment and reward. This visual dichotomy mirrors the symbolic representations of wealth and poverty found throughout art history, reflecting social anxieties and moral lessons. The imagery of feasting, often associated with celebration and abundance, takes on a darker significance here. This motif has roots in ancient Roman feasts and finds echoes in later works, such as those depicting the biblical feast of Belshazzar. The presence of a dog emphasizes a primal connection to these deep-seated anxieties. Such gestures engage us on a subconscious level, reminding us of the cyclical nature of moral and social critique throughout time.