Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus c. 17th century

Curator: This is Crispijn de Passe the Elder's print, "Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus." It really hits you, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely. There's this immediate sense of disparity; the composition splits between opulent indulgence and utter destitution. Curator: De Passe's use of line emphasizes that contrast; look at the delicate, almost frivolous detail on the rich man's clothing versus the raw, almost brutal depiction of Lazarus's suffering. Editor: The placement is so deliberate. Lazarus is literally at the doorstep, and yet the rich man's world remains completely self-contained, almost theatrically so. Curator: It’s that detachment that gets me. It’s not just about wealth; it’s about a fundamental lack of empathy, which is chillingly rendered here. Editor: Yes, it's a potent reminder of the dangers of unchecked privilege, a theme that still resonates so strongly today. Curator: Right. I think De Passe captured something essential about human nature with this image. Editor: Indeed. A work that leaves you pondering long after you’ve moved on.