Spiegel van het leven 1610

"Spiegel van het Leven," or "Mirror of Life" was made around the turn of the 17th century by Theodoor Galle. This engraving is a meditation on mortality, deeply informed by the religious and philosophical currents of the late Renaissance. The artwork presents a mirror framed by symbols of death and decay, reflecting the transience of earthly life. Around the mirror, we see scenes of human activity contrasted with images of death and religious observance, each labeled with letters corresponding to a key. It is a memento mori, a reminder of our inevitable end, and a call to reflect on the vanity of human pursuits in the face of death. The image reflects the religious and cultural anxieties of a society grappling with disease, war, and social upheaval. It prompts reflection on the individual's place in the world and their relationship to mortality. It's an invitation to contemplate our shared humanity and the fleeting nature of existence.