Blessed are the poor in spirit. Job receiving the ill news of his misfortune 1564 - 1567

Harmen Jansz. Muller created this print, "Blessed are the poor in spirit. Job receiving the ill news of his misfortune," depicting Job, a figure of unwavering faith tested by immense suffering. Notice the messengers bearing ill tidings, their gestures echoing through time. The motif of the messenger, a bearer of fateful news, appears across cultures. Think of Hermes, the swift-footed herald of the Greek gods, or even the Valkyries of Norse myth, deciding who lives or dies in battle. Here, the messengers aren't divine, but their role is just as critical, delivering news of earthly devastation. Job's seated pose, reminiscent of classical depictions of philosophers or rulers, contrasts sharply with the active despair surrounding him. This juxtaposition creates a powerful tension, a visual representation of inner turmoil. The cultural memory of suffering and resilience is powerfully present, engaging viewers on a subconscious level with universal themes of loss and faith. The image resonates through the ages, reminding us of the cyclical nature of human experience.