Lodging of the Travelers 

Conrad Meyer created this etching, "Lodging of the Travelers," during the mid-17th century, a period marked by both religious conflict and burgeoning artistic innovation. Meyer, a Swiss artist, situates this print within a broader cultural landscape grappling with questions of hospitality, morality, and divine judgment. Notice the central figure, a bearded man who stands at his doorstep, seemingly refusing entry to a group of travelers. This scene evokes the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah, testing the boundaries of human kindness and societal values. Consider how Meyer's work reflects the period’s emphasis on moralizing narratives. The artist highlights the tension between communal responsibility and individual choice. The act of offering or denying shelter is weighted with social and spiritual implications. The narrative implies an intersectional commentary on class and morality, inviting viewers to reflect on their own attitudes towards outsiders and the less fortunate. Meyer prompts us to consider how we negotiate our responsibilities to one another.