Rijke man en de arme Lazarus 1564 - 1589

This print, titled "Rich man and Poor Lazarus" was made anonymously at an unknown date. The tale, drawn from the Gospel of Luke, explores themes of wealth, poverty, and divine justice. The composition is divided between earthly opulence and earthly suffering. The rich man feasts in a grand structure, while Lazarus lies in tatters outside its gates, his body licked by dogs. In the background there's a stark contrast with the rich man’s luxurious setting and Lazarus’s desolate existence. This is intensified by the idyllic landscape, underscoring the indifference of the natural world to human suffering. This artwork speaks to enduring social and ethical questions. It serves as both a moral lesson, reflecting the religious views of the time, and a commentary on social inequality. It compels us to consider how societies create and perpetuate disparities, and to reflect on the emotional and material consequences of such divisions.