Sed libera nos (men fri os) 1571

Maarten van Heemskerck created this drawing entitled 'Sed libera nos' using pen and brown ink. Heemskerck lived during a tumultuous time in European history, marked by religious reformation and conflict. His personal beliefs and experiences of living through these changes heavily influenced his art. This drawing reflects a complex negotiation of religious identity during the period of the Reformation. The Latin inscription "Sed libera nos" translates to "But deliver us," a plea that gains resonance when considering the religious and political turmoil of the 16th century. The artwork portrays a divine intervention, illustrating a release from suffering, perhaps a symbolic representation of spiritual or political liberation. Angels with spears are shown driving away devilish figures from the scene. The artist uses stark contrasts between light and shadow to emphasize the dramatic tension. Through this drawing, Heemskerck taps into the emotional and spiritual anxieties of his time, offering a powerful message of hope and deliverance amidst strife.