The parable of the rich man (Dives) and Lazarus 1700 - 1800

This is an anonymous engraving of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus. The parable is extracted from the Gospel of Luke. It's a story about stark class differences and divine justice. The artist emphasizes the contrast between the wealthy, feasting Dives, and the impoverished Lazarus, covered in sores, at his gate. Note the presence of a Black page, an enslaved person, in the Dives's household. Consider how this figure embodies an element of the social hierarchy. The engraving depicts the earthly scene alongside its spiritual consequences, emphasizing the reversal of fortunes in the afterlife, reflecting on themes of inequality and moral reckoning. This piece serves as a potent commentary on the social disparities of the time. It invites us to contemplate our own roles within systems of privilege and marginalization.