The evil world / The time of Esau (2 Esdras 6:9) 1565 - 1577

This anonymous 16th-century engraving, titled "The evil world / The time of Esau (2 Esdras 6:9)" from the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, depicts a scene of violence and chaos. It's a powerful testament to the dangers of conflict and the destructive nature of hatred. The circular composition highlights the all-encompassing nature of the conflict, with figures engaged in a brutal struggle. The inscription in German, "So dwalt men in feedrun dor twift ut geeloof," (So dwells man in discord through strife and unbelief), reinforces the message that division and distrust lead to bloodshed. The scene's visual elements and the accompanying text reveal the artist's deep concern about the state of the world, a message resonating even today.