Rad van fortuin als allegorie op de maatschappij 1550 - 1560

This hand-colored woodcut print, Rad van fortuin als allegorie op de maatschappij, presents a compelling visual structure despite its anonymous creation. The wheel, a central motif, immediately grabs our attention with its circular form, suggesting cyclical change and the unpredictable nature of fortune. This is reinforced by the figures placed around the wheel’s edge, each caught in a different stage of ascent or descent. The choice of earthy colors—browns, greens, and muted yellows—adds to the somber tone, evoking a sense of the inevitable decay and transformation inherent in human affairs. The print engages with the philosophical concept of Fortuna, the Roman goddess of fortune, whose wheel symbolizes the capricious nature of fate. The semiotic interplay between the wheel, the figures, and the accompanying text underscores the transient nature of worldly states. The linear quality of the woodcut emphasizes clear, graphic representation, aligning with the didactic purpose often found in early printed images. Ultimately, the formal arrangement of elements in this print serves not only to depict but also to comment on the human condition, inviting reflection on themes of power, change, and morality.