Hoogmoed en christelijke nederigheid / Man belaagd door de Wereld / Brede en de smalle weg / Laatste Oordeel before 1767

This allegorical engraving was made by Cornelis van Noorde, and presents a moral crossroads. It seems to warn us about the dangers of pride and the virtues of Christian humility. Note the figure on the upper left panel, ostentatiously dressed, contrasted with the humble shepherd. Consider the presence of the snake wrapped around the tree in another scene. This isn't merely a decorative element; it's a loaded symbol, echoing the serpent in the Garden of Eden, a timeless emblem of temptation and deceit. Observe how such symbols migrate across epochs, appearing in various guises, yet consistently tapping into our collective fears and desires. The imagery evokes deep, subconscious anxieties about morality and judgment, powerfully engaging viewers. This engraving serves not just as a historical artifact but as a potent reminder of our perennial struggle between virtue and vice.