Vroomheid 1610

This engraving titled 'Vroomheid', or piety, was made by Willem van Swanenburg in the Dutch Republic. The image presents an allegory of faith or religious devotion, figured as a woman looking up to heaven, a book of religious law to her side. The Dutch Republic in the early 17th century was a place of relative religious toleration and, as a result, it attracted diverse communities of faith. Yet it was also a deeply Calvinist society where outward shows of piety were demanded from all. This image reflects that demand, with the figure’s humble gaze and plain clothing marking her out as virtuous. At her feet, she tramples symbols of worldly wealth; meanwhile an angel descends to offer her a laurel wreath – the reward of piety. The work makes extensive use of Christian imagery and symbolism that would have been instantly legible to its contemporary audience. Yet its classical composition reminds us of the institutional setting in which Swanenburg trained: the University of Leiden. By researching the artist's life and the historical context, we can better understand the values that this image promotes.