Dissidium In Ecclesia, from "Allegories of the Christian Faith, from Christian and Profane Allegories" 1575 - 1617

Hendrick Goltzius's "Dissidium In Ecclesia" (1575-1617) is a striking example of Northern Renaissance printmaking. This engraving from "Allegories of the Christian Faith, from Christian and Profane Allegories" depicts a scene of chaos and violence, reflecting the artist's interest in both religious and moral themes. The central scene, set within a church, shows a group of figures engaged in a bloody battle, with figures sprawled on the ground, their agony palpable. Goltzius masterfully uses chiaroscuro to create a sense of depth and drama, adding to the emotional impact of the artwork. The intricate border of the engraving is filled with symbolic vignettes, each alluding to specific biblical passages and further contributing to the allegorical nature of the piece. This work highlights Goltzius's masterful technical skills and his ability to create visually arresting and thought-provoking images.