Allegorie met Eendracht, Vrede en Liefde c. 1539 - 1553

Cornelis Anthonisz. created this woodcut allegory of Unity, Peace, and Love, printed on paper, in the sixteenth century. It's a complex tableau, reflective of the tumultuous Reformation period in Europe. On the left, we see the Pope, identified by the inscription above him. Unity lies prostrate and seemingly weakened at the base of a tree in the center. While to the right, Love stands tall, surrounded by children. The inscription above her suggests that 'carnal lust gives grief'. The artist thus seems to be portraying the Catholic Church as a force that undermines unity, while extolling the virtues of love, particularly within a familial context. Anthonisz., who also worked as a painter and city engineer in Amsterdam, lived during a time of religious upheaval and social change. His personal beliefs likely influenced his artistic choices, which may have resonated with a society grappling with questions of faith, authority, and the role of the family. This woodcut invites us to reflect on the ongoing tensions between religious institutions, personal freedom, and the pursuit of social harmony.