Huwelijk tussen Arbeid en Vlijt 1572 - 1638

"Huwelijk tussen Arbeid en Vlijt" (Marriage between Labour and Diligence), a 16th-century engraving by Philips Galle, depicts a symbolic union of Labor and Prudence. The artwork, housed at the Rijksmuseum, portrays Labor (a muscular man) joining hands with Prudence (a woman holding an hourglass), symbolizing the importance of perseverance and careful planning in achieving success. The inscription beneath the scene emphasizes the virtues of diligence and ingenuity in bringing about innovation and artistic excellence. Galle's masterful use of intricate details and fine lines captures the allegorical nature of the scene, making it a classic example of the Northern Renaissance tradition of incorporating moral messages into artistic expression.