Embleem met man die twijfelt over de keuze tussen leven in deugd of leven in zonde 1620

This 17th-century engraving by Boëtius Adamsz. Bolswert depicts a man standing at a crossroads, contemplating the path he should take. Above him, in the clouds, a vision of heaven is shown, with angels and a haloed figure. Below, he sees the flames of hell, with tormented souls, a clear representation of the choice between a life of virtue and a life of sin. The graphic imagery of this emblem would have resonated with audiences who were deeply concerned with their eternal salvation. This work highlights the influential themes of religious morality and the fear of damnation that were prevalent in the 17th century.