Lazarus bedelt aan de feestdis van de rijke man 1581 - 1633

This engraving, made by Theodoor Galle, presents us with Lazarus begging at the rich man's table, a potent symbol of social disparity and divine justice. The feast table, laden with food and surrounded by opulence, contrasts sharply with Lazarus, the beggar at the entrance, accompanied by dogs. The dog, a common symbol, here takes on a poignant role, contrasting the indifference of the wealthy. Consider the recurring image of the feast across cultures. From ancient Roman banquets to medieval tapestries, feasts often symbolize power and decadence. Yet, these depictions also carry an undercurrent of unease. Think of the Last Supper, a final meal before sacrifice. The act of sharing food, meant to unite, can also highlight exclusion and inequality. The feast can reveal the dark side of human nature, the tendency to indulge at the expense of others, stirring feelings of collective guilt and the primal fear of scarcity. This scene is a reminder of the cyclical nature of moral reckoning. It is destined to reappear, perhaps in different forms, yet with the same disquieting message.