The One to Whom Fortune Is Playing Will Dance Merrily from Six Sayings about Fortune 1555 - 1565

This engraving by Dirck Volckertsz Coornhert, from a series titled "Six Sayings About Fortune," depicts a woman, likely Fortune herself, playing a musical instrument while a man stands by. The woman is adorned in a flowing robe and stands on a ball, symbolizing the capricious nature of fate. The engraving is a fine example of the Renaissance era's interest in allegory and the complexities of human life. The artist used precise lines and detailed shading to create a scene that invites viewers to consider the role of fortune in their own lives. The Dutch Golden Age printmaking style, evident in the delicate lines and realistic details, allows for a nuanced portrayal of fortune as both whimsical and powerful.