Embleem met engel die man overtuigt van de blijdschap die hij zal voelen als hij de weg van de deugd volgt 1620 - 1623

This is an engraving, made by an anonymous artist, of a scene dominated by potent symbols: an angel, demons, and the scales of justice. Here, the angel embodies divine guidance, a motif echoed across cultures, from classical winged victories to Renaissance annunciations. Observe how the scales, a symbol of justice and moral balance, resonate with ancient Egyptian depictions of the weighing of the heart. Yet here, the scales are not merely a tool for judgment; they are a battleground for the soul. The demons, grotesque and chaotic, represent the turmoil of earthly temptations. These figures bear a striking resemblance to those found in medieval morality plays, manifestations of the subconscious fears and desires that plague humanity. This emblem serves as a mirror, reflecting our internal struggles and the timeless quest for virtue. In it we see an emotional drama unfolding, one that engages us on a deeply personal level. The non-linear progression of these symbols echoes the cyclical nature of human experience.