Tegenspoed maakt de ziel zuiver 1679

This etching by Gaspar Bouttats, titled "Tegenspoed maakt de ziel zuiver," depicts a scene of two men laboring to fill a ditch with earth, as others stand around them. This work is a visual representation of the proverb “Adversity makes the soul pure” and highlights the hardships of manual labor. It forms part of a series of proverbs illustrated by Bouttats, intended to educate and entertain a wide audience. The detail and composition showcase the artist’s mastery of etching and his ability to convey the message of perseverance in the face of challenges.