Visioen van de rijke man in de hel 1581 - 1633

This engraving from the late 16th or early 17th century by Theodoor Galle visualizes the parable of the rich man in hell. It explores the divide between wealth and poverty, presenting it as a moral chasm with eternal consequences. Galle worked in Antwerp, a commercial hub in the Spanish Netherlands. The city was a key site for the production and distribution of Catholic imagery during the Counter-Reformation. This print encapsulates the religious and social anxieties of its time. The graphic depiction of the rich man's torment, contrasted with the beatific vision of God above, underscores the dangers of earthly indulgence and the importance of piety. Galle's visualization relies on established visual codes to deliver a stark warning against earthly greed. Art historical research into devotional prints and the social history of Antwerp is essential. These resources provide crucial context for interpreting the visual and cultural meanings embedded in this image. Art is always contingent on its social and institutional context.