Parable of Lazarus and Dives 1729 - 1740

Jean-Baptiste Haussard created this print, *Parable of Lazarus and Dives*, sometime in the early 18th century. It illustrates the biblical story of extreme wealth and poverty, rendered in a way that speaks volumes about the societal structures of Haussard’s time. The print depicts Dives, the rich man, feasting sumptuously, while Lazarus, covered in sores, begs for scraps. The emotional weight of the scene lies in the stark contrast between the opulence and suffering. We see more than just a religious narrative; it’s a commentary on class, privilege, and the indifference of the wealthy towards the plight of the poor. Consider the role of the dogs in the foreground, mirroring the indifference of their masters as they nonchalantly approach Lazarus. Haussard uses this moment to explore a social hierarchy sustained by systems of inequality. The work subtly challenges its viewers to consider their own places within these systems.