Religie troost een arme oude man 1520 - 1561

Battista Franco created this small engraving, "Religion Comforting a Poor Old Man," sometime in the mid-16th century. The print is dominated by the figures of a woman, representing religion, and an elderly man, set against a cloudy sky within a circular frame. The composition uses a stark contrast between the upright, flowing lines of Religion and the slumped, angular posture of the old man. The texture created by the engraving technique adds depth and a somber mood to the scene, while the use of light and shadow accentuates the figures' emotional states. Religion's raised hand and serene expression contrast with the man's desperate grasp and downcast gaze, creating a powerful tension within the small format. Franco challenges the traditional notions of power and comfort, using a formal arrangement to question the role of religion in society. The print invites us to reflect on how gestures and forms can destabilize established meanings and offer new perspectives on human suffering and solace.