Vijfde paar 1590

This is a black and white wood-cut engraving from 1590 by an anonymous artist. The image, titled *Vijfde paar*, depicts two figures, one in the foreground holding a sword and one in the background. The foreground figure is wearing a hat with a plume, a ruff, and a doublet, and is reaching out with his right hand towards the background figure, who is holding his left hand. The image is a satirical depiction of the foolishness of the world, and the details of the clothing and the figures’ expressions emphasize the absurdity of the situation. *Vijfde paar* is one of a series of woodcuts depicting various satirical scenes from everyday life. The style is typical of Northern Renaissance engravings and the work was likely made for a popular audience.