Huichelaar verzamelt schatten 1629

"Huichelaar verzamelt schatten" (Hypocrite Collects Treasures) is a 1629 engraving by Dutch artist Christoffel van (II) Sichem. The artwork depicts a scene of a man (labeled "B") greedily digging up treasure while others (labeled "C" and "D") look on in disapproval. The scene is set against a backdrop of a ruined city, while in the sky, angels ascend towards a heavenly throne, suggesting the moral consequences of greed. This artwork is a classic example of Dutch 17th-century moralizing imagery, a genre that often used allegorical figures and settings to convey ethical messages. The engraving's small size suggests its intended purpose as a print for private devotional use, reflecting the popularity of moralizing art in Dutch homes during this period.