Keuken met de rijke man en de arme Lazarus 1593 - 1598

This engraving, "Keuken met de rijke man en de arme Lazarus," was created by Johann Sadeler I in the late 16th century. Sadeler, working in the midst of the Counter-Reformation, visualizes a biblical parable through a lens of stark social contrast. On one side, we see the opulence of the rich man’s kitchen, bustling with servants preparing a feast. This is juxtaposed against the figure of Lazarus, the beggar, relegated to the margins, surrounded by dogs, and hoping for scraps. The stark contrast speaks volumes about the inequalities of the time. The image reflects a society deeply divided along lines of wealth and poverty. The rich feast while the poor starve; the dogs are treated better than the beggar. This work invites us to consider the intersections of faith, class, and social responsibility in the early modern period. It challenges the viewer to reflect on their own position within systems of privilege and marginalization. The emotional weight lies in the silent suffering of Lazarus, a figure that stands as a timeless reminder of society's ethical obligations.