Beroemde en beruchte rijkaards 1563

"Beroemde en beruchte rijkaards," or "Famous and infamous rich men", was created by Philips Galle, sometime between 1537 and 1612, using engraving techniques. Here, we see a procession of wealthy men, each associated with a distinct form of excess or moral failing. Galle's work reflects the social and religious anxieties of the 16th century, a time marked by the rise of capitalism and the questioning of traditional values. Galle uses the visual language of his time to critique wealth and power, reflecting a world where moral and economic structures were in flux. The print serves as a moral lesson, cautioning against the pitfalls of wealth and the potential for corruption. It invites us to consider how society judges success and failure, and how individual choices reflect broader cultural values. It connects to the anxieties of a society undergoing rapid change, reminding us that questions of ethics and wealth have long been intertwined.