Laat uw koninkrijk komen 1569 - 1573

This engraving, made by Wierix around 1600, presents a striking image of the Devil dominating the world, chaining humanity to earthly concerns, while God looks on from the heavens. The globe itself is a potent symbol, representing worldly power and earthly dominion. Consider the serpent, a motif slithering through art history from the Garden of Eden to classical depictions of temptation. Here, it is embodied in the figure of the Devil, perched atop the world. Note how the chains, binding humanity to the globe, echo the binding nature of original sin. The act of binding and enslavement, seen here, can be traced back to ancient depictions of captivity and conquest. Yet, in this context, the chains take on a psychological weight, representing the internal constraints and desires that shackle individuals. This image invites us to reflect on the enduring tension between spiritual aspiration and earthly entanglement, a conflict that continues to resonate within the human psyche. It's a powerful reminder of how symbols evolve, carrying layers of meaning across centuries.