The Deluge 1559

Editor: This is "The Deluge," a 1559 print by Cornelis Cort, housed at the SMK. The frantic energy and swirling composition give it such a chaotic, desperate feeling. What strikes you when you look at this piece? Curator: The Deluge depicts a moment of immense social upheaval, mirroring the anxieties and religious turmoil of 16th-century Europe. See how Cort visualizes this moment of crisis – the desperate figures clinging to each other, the class divisions seemingly blurred by the impending disaster? Consider how the biblical story of Noah's Ark was often interpreted during this period as a warning against moral decay. Editor: I see it! It’s like everyone is fighting for survival regardless of status, but their efforts feel futile. Do you think Cort intended to critique the social order of his time? Curator: Absolutely. The Mannerist style itself, with its exaggerated figures and distorted perspectives, reflects a sense of unease with established norms. Think about how power structures often crumble in times of crisis, exposing vulnerabilities within society. This flood is not just about divine retribution; it's a commentary on social inequality. Notice, too, how the figures are racialized—do you feel that has symbolic importance in that era? Editor: I hadn't thought about that before, but it does add another layer to the narrative of power and vulnerability. Thanks, that gives me a lot to consider. Curator: Indeed. And it prompts us to reflect on how we, today, represent social disasters.