De wereld is een speeltoneel, 1720 1720

This engraving, dating from around 1720, presents the world as a stage, where each person plays their role. Notice how the artist frames scenes of daily life, from commerce to noble gatherings, within the structure of a theater. The curtained stage is an ancient symbol, tracing back to classical antiquity and reappearing throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It evokes the theatricality of human existence, where appearances often mask deeper truths. In medieval morality plays, this concept was literal; allegorical figures acted out the drama of salvation and damnation, reminding viewers of their own moral choices. Here, the stage is populated with contemporary figures, yet the underlying message remains: life is performance. Consider how this echoes through time, from Shakespeare's famous line, "All the world’s a stage," to modern sociological theories of self-presentation. This image invites us to ponder the roles we play, the masks we wear, and the eternal human drama unfolding around us. It’s a testament to how symbols endure, adapting and reflecting our ever-evolving understanding of the human condition.