Izebels lichaam wordt door de honden opgevreten 1559 - 1579

Philips Galle made this engraving, "Izebel's Body Being Devoured by Dogs," in the late 16th century. It vividly illustrates a scene from the Old Testament where Queen Jezebel, a figure associated with idolatry and moral corruption, meets a gruesome end, thus serving a moral lesson. Galle’s work reflects the religious and political tensions of the time, particularly in the Netherlands, then under Spanish rule and experiencing the rise of Protestantism. Such images were powerful tools for reinforcing religious doctrine and social order. They warned against defiance of divine law and the dangers of female power when seen as a challenge to established norms. Understanding the visual codes of the period, like the portrayal of dogs as agents of divine retribution, requires looking at historical texts and religious commentaries. This engraving is more than an artwork; it's a window into the fears and beliefs of a society grappling with religious upheaval and moral anxieties.