De mensheid wachtend op het Laatste Oordeel 1581 - 1583

Johann Sadeler I created this color engraving, "Mankind Awaiting the Last Judgement," around the late 16th century. During this period of religious conflict and social upheaval, artists often depicted scenes of morality and judgement to reflect the anxieties of the time. Here, we see a group of affluent individuals indulging in food, music, and intimate embraces, oblivious to the apocalyptic events unfolding outside their window – a stark contrast between earthly pleasures and divine reckoning. This juxtaposition reveals an intersection of class, gender, and morality. The elite are portrayed as detached and self-absorbed, while the less fortunate face turmoil and despair. Sadeler develops a narrative where gender roles are emphasized within this dichotomy, with women presented as objects of affection and men as figures of authority or ignorance. Ultimately, this image serves as a mirror reflecting the societal issues of the time, questioning the viewer about their values in the face of imminent judgement.