De Farizeër en tollenaar in de tempel en de arbeiders in de wijngaard 1791

Simon Fokke created this print titled 'The Pharisee and the Publican in the Temple and Workers in the Vineyard'. Observe the figure of the Pharisee, standing tall and self-assured, his arm extended in what might seem a gesture of pride or perhaps condescension. His stance recalls the ancient Roman orator, a symbol of civic virtue, yet here it is transformed, even parodied, into a display of spiritual arrogance. Consider the recurring motif of the extended arm and open hand. In antiquity, this gesture signified power, authority, and even divine favor. But how easily it morphs into a sign of hubris! Think of similar poses across Renaissance paintings; a leader gesturing to his soldiers, or even the portrayal of rulers across time. The emotional tension is palpable. In this scene, the artist captures the timeless human drama of humility versus arrogance. The image engages us on a deep, subconscious level, inviting us to confront our own internal struggles with pride and shame. Note the cyclical progression and evolution of symbols such as the extended arm through time, acquiring new layers of meaning in each era.