Liefde (Caritas) 1539

Sebald Beham created this tiny engraving of 'Charitas', or charity, in sixteenth-century Germany. It encapsulates complex social and religious shifts of the Reformation era. The figure is laden with symbolic meaning: the classical wreath suggests virtue, while the naked children at her breast signify maternal love and abundance. The presence of a dog, often read as a symbol of fidelity, adds a layer of complexity, aligning the virtue of charity with loyalty. The print circulated during a time when traditional Catholic notions of charity were being challenged by Protestant reformers, who emphasized individual faith over good works. Beham’s image, therefore, enters a visual debate, prompting viewers to consider the true nature of Christian love and the role of material acts of charity in a changing religious landscape. Understanding this print requires that we consider these competing perspectives using pamphlets, sermons, and other texts to unpack its meanings and relate it to its place in Germany’s social and religious fabric.