Vergeef ons onze schulden, zoals ook wij hebben vergeven wie ons iets schuldig was 1569 - 1573

This engraving by Wierix was made in the Low Countries during a time of great religious and social upheaval. The image illustrates a verse from The Lord’s Prayer: ‘Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.’ The composition emphasizes the importance of reciprocity and the earthly consequences of divine judgment. We see figures engaging in various acts of forgiveness, embodying the prayer’s message of compassion and reconciliation. Wierix was active during the Counter-Reformation, when the Catholic Church sought to reaffirm its authority through art and education. Prints like this served as didactic tools, reinforcing religious doctrine and moral values among a wide audience. The focus on forgiveness and communal responsibility reflects the Church’s efforts to promote social cohesion and spiritual renewal in a fractured society. By studying the prints and other visual materials of the period, we gain insight into the complex interplay between art, religion, and society in early modern Europe. Researching the historical context and theological debates of the time helps us understand the enduring significance of this work.