Zachtmoedigheid weigert de zonde van Woede / Hemelse en wereldse Wijsheid / Eigenbaat voor het gerecht / Poort van boete before 1767

This engraving by Cornelis van Noorde, made in the eighteenth century, presents four scenes within a grid, each a study in moral contrasts rendered through precise line work. The dense hatching and cross-hatching create a tonal range that defines the forms and spaces of these allegorical narratives. Van Noorde employs the grid not merely as a structuring device but as a means of juxtaposing opposing virtues and vices. Each scene's composition guides the eye to discern the moral lesson, contrasting, for example, divine wisdom with earthly self-interest. This formal arrangement suggests a structuralist approach, where meaning arises from the relationships between the parts. Moreover, the work engages with semiotic codes prevalent in its time. The figures, objects, and settings act as signs, conveying ethical messages about penitence and justice. In its totality, the grid presents a framework for understanding societal values, inviting viewers to interpret and apply these lessons. The power of the work resides not only in its aesthetic qualities but also in its capacity to provoke moral reflection.