De verloren zoon verkwist zijn erfenis 1608

Claes Jansz. Visscher created this print, "The Prodigal Son Squandering His Inheritance," likely in the early 17th century. Visscher, working in the Dutch Golden Age, would have understood the power of morality tales, especially for a society grappling with new wealth and its temptations. Here, we see the biblical story of the prodigal son transformed into a scene of lavish excess. Men and women are enjoying music, food, and drink, while in the background, chaos ensues as the son's possessions are gambled away. The image presents the male figure as being carefree and self-assured. It conveys a sense of recklessness. The clothing and postures signal wealth and leisure, yet also hint at moral decay. The scene is a cautionary tale, reflecting anxieties about social mobility, moral corruption, and the fleeting nature of earthly pleasures. The print invites us to reflect on our own relationships with wealth, privilege, and responsibility, urging us to consider the potential consequences of unchecked indulgence.