Berouw brengt waarheid aan het licht en aanschouwt Gods rechtvaardigheid 1566 - 1578

Dirck Volckertsz Coornhert created this engraving, "Berouw brengt waarheid aan het licht en aanschouwt Gods rechtvaardigheid," a symbolic representation of repentance, truth, and divine justice. The composition is vertically oriented, dividing the pictorial space into earthly and celestial realms. In the foreground, a figure symbolizing remorse sits dejectedly, while above, a figure rises, gazing towards a radiant Justice enthroned on clouds. The artist uses line and form to construct an allegory, inviting us to read the narrative through carefully arranged figures and symbols. The contrast between the dark, earthbound figure of remorse and the illuminated, elevated figure of Justice is palpable, creating a visual tension. This interplay of dark and light not only adds depth but also underscores the moral and spiritual themes inherent in the work. Coornhert uses the formal structure of the engraving to explore the relationship between earthly suffering and divine redemption.