The Rich Man in Hell and the Poor Lazarus in Abraham's Lap, from Das Plenarium 1517

This woodcut, "The Rich Man in Hell and the Poor Lazarus in Abraham's Lap," by German artist Hans Schäufelein, depicts a scene from the Gospel of Luke. The composition is divided in two, with Abraham and Lazarus, the poor man, in heaven, while the rich man is in hell, depicted as a fiery abyss. The artwork, part of Schäufelein’s “Das Plenarium,” a series of woodcuts depicting religious scenes, illustrates the stark contrast between heaven and hell, and the importance of charity, as seen in the fate of the rich man who refused to help the poor Lazarus. This vividly illustrated scene has been a popular subject in art, serving as a reminder of the consequences of ignoring the needs of the less fortunate.