Een huichelaar en een gelovige tijdens het vasten 1593

This print by Wierix was made in the Netherlands, sometime between 1550 and 1620. It contrasts the behaviours of a hypocrite and a believer during Lent. We see the visual codes of the time at play here. The physical appearance of each figure signals their spiritual state. The hypocrite on the left is gaunt and tormented, literally ridden by demons; the believer on the right is bright-faced and accompanied by an angel. The Latin text reinforces this, telling us this is about fasting. The print offers a glimpse into the religious and social landscape of the Netherlands at the time. The Catholic Church was a powerful institution and religious devotion was deeply intertwined with daily life. Prints like this served as moral guides, reinforcing social norms and expectations around religious observance. The Rijksmuseum collection where this print is held, alongside period writings, and other artworks, provides a wealth of resources for those seeking to understand the complexities of Dutch society.