Het herbergen van vreemdelingen

Philips Galle produced this engraving, "Het herbergen van vreemdelingen," meaning "Harboring Strangers" in the Netherlands, sometime between 1537 and 1612. It’s now held in the Rijksmuseum. Galle lived during a period of significant religious and political upheaval in the Netherlands, including the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. This print exemplifies the era's focus on moral instruction, urging viewers to offer hospitality to strangers. The imagery is rooted in Christian teachings, reflecting the prevalent religious values of the time. Galle’s emphasis on charity and welcoming outsiders might be viewed as a progressive stance, implicitly challenging social hierarchies and xenophobia. To understand this work fully, we turn to historical texts, religious documents, and social histories. By examining these sources, we can better appreciate how Galle's art engaged with the social and institutional forces of his time, promoting a vision of communal responsibility and care.