Geestelijke met een roofdier Possibly 1670 - 1724

This print, "Geestelijke met een roofdier," or "Cleric with a Predator," was made by Jacob Gole, likely in the late 17th or early 18th century. It depicts a clergyman with a wolf lurking behind him. This image reflects the social and political tensions prevalent in the Dutch Republic during that time. The Dutch Golden Age saw the rise of a wealthy merchant class and increasing critiques of the established church. Here, the clergyman's association with the wolf—a symbol of greed and rapacity—suggests a commentary on the perceived corruption within religious institutions. The text "L'Insatiable" reinforces this critique, accusing the cleric of being incapable of satisfaction. Such prints played a crucial role in shaping public opinion. Art historians consult period pamphlets, sermons, and other visual media to understand the social context in which these images were produced and consumed. By examining these sources, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between art, religion, and social critique in the Dutch Republic.