Parabel van de heer die zijn knecht geld gaf 1485 - 1491

This woodcut, "Parabel van de heer die zijn knecht geld gaf," was created by Meester van Antwerpen. The print depicts a parable about a master distributing talents, or coins, to his servants, testing their ability to generate wealth. The master-servant relationship, a common social hierarchy, suggests how power and wealth were distributed. Class is a prominent theme, illustrated by the characters' clothing and the setting. The kneeling posture of one servant highlights social deference but may also indicate a lack of agency, playing into historical narratives of servitude and obedience. The artist uses a traditional narrative to explore the economic structures that defined society, while simultaneously considering the personal stakes involved in such a system. It encourages viewers to reflect on their own roles within systems of power and exchange. The print makes us consider how economic parables not only reflect societal norms but also shape individual aspirations and anxieties.