De brede en de smalle weg: allegorie op de menselijke levensloop 1540 - 1590

Frans Hogenberg created this print, "The Broad and Narrow Path: Allegory on the Course of Human Life," around 1570, using engraving and etching. The artwork presents a stark contrast through its detailed composition. On the left, an angel guides figures toward a celestial city, symbolizing the narrow path of righteousness. To the right, a wide path teeming with revelers leads to a grotesque figure, epitomizing damnation. Hogenberg uses dense, rhythmic lines to differentiate these paths, creating a visual and moral dichotomy. This allegorical structure reflects the period’s intense religious debates, especially the contrast between Protestant and Catholic interpretations of salvation. The use of linear perspective draws the viewer into the scene, urging a moral decision. The engraving technique allows for intricate detail, enhancing the didactic impact of the artwork. The detailed rendering and structured composition underscore the artwork’s intent to not only depict but also to persuade, positioning viewers within a landscape of moral choices.