Waarheid beschermt de gelovige tegen al het kwaad 1566 - 1578

Curator: Let’s examine “Waarheid beschermt de gelovige tegen al het kwaad,” or “Truth protects the believer from all evil,” an engraving dating from 1566 to 1578, currently held here at the Rijksmuseum and attributed to Dirck Volckertsz Coornhert. The print, a historical allegory, really captures one's attention right away. What is your initial reaction? Editor: The immediate impression is one of intense, almost theatrical tension. The stark contrast and linear precision emphasize the vulnerability of the central figure, targeted by figures whose forms seem to meld nature and deceit. Curator: Indeed. We observe a central figure, representing Truth, standing defiantly despite being assailed by arrows—symbols of deceit—aimed by allegorical figures representing Hypocrisy, Mockery, and Ignorance. Truth deflects these attacks, symbolized by the shield held aloft, with Faith standing as its guardian. Editor: Beyond a historical morality lesson, I am interested in what the piece tells us about visual archetypes, as arrows and shields exist in multiple cultural symbolisms as signifiers of power and defense, and their presence adds layers to the print's message. We also can explore that halo or wreath that indicates the holiness or enlightened of the figure protected. The centaur adds bestial desire. Curator: Precisely. Considering Coornhert’s philosophical leanings, one could argue that the engraving serves as a semiotic field of early Dutch society during times of war, where the engraving structure shows conflict with religion in a visually dramatic manner. It suggests that divine truth, divinely protected, triumphs against moral decay, using the engraving’s space to position Truth as geometrically perfect, against dynamic, chaotic lines. Editor: A clever interweaving of linear rigidity with emotional dynamism. What this art, at least for me, is about psychological insight and power of the imagery itself, how well these symbols convey an enduring spiritual theme. Curator: Your insight into the visual is revealing and connects to the philosophical concepts presented within the linear form, so the power lies in that connection. The use of shading also adds dimension beyond symbolism to reflect its timeless message about faith and conviction. Editor: And its durability through the image over the many years. Thank you for such great input and context!