De parabel van de wijngaard: de eigenaar van de wijngaard huurt arbeiders in 1563

Cornelis Cort created this engraving, "The Parable of the Vineyard," in 1563. It illustrates a scene from the Gospel of Matthew. During the 16th century, religious art was often used to convey moral lessons, reinforcing the social hierarchy. Here, we see laborers in different states of work and rest, each representing various stages of commitment and reward. The vineyard owner oversees them, embodying divine authority and judgement. Consider the laborers’ diverse postures and expressions, reflecting their individual circumstances and relationship to the work. Cort’s engraving invites us to contemplate the intersection of labor, faith, and social justice, raising complex questions about fairness and divine grace. The inscription at the bottom reminds us that many are called but few are chosen. This artwork invites us to reflect on our own roles in society. It encourages us to examine the historical context and the enduring questions it poses about labor, identity, and spiritual fulfillment.