Wie begeerte en leugen doodt wordt gelauwerd door waarheid 1566 - 1578

This engraving, by Dirck Volckertsz Coornhert, presents a complex allegory rendered in fine detail. The composition divides roughly into earthly and celestial realms, with sharp lines etching out figures and landscapes. The dominant figure of Truth stands over the vanquished forms of Desire and Falsehood, an arrangement that conveys a clear moral hierarchy through spatial relationships. Notice how Coornhert uses contrasting textures to differentiate the figures. The smooth, idealized body of Truth contrasts sharply with the contorted forms below, highlighting a tension between virtue and vice. The stark, linear style typical of engravings emphasizes clarity and precision, aligning with the didactic purpose of allegorical art. The landscape in the background, with its distant city, adds depth but remains secondary to the foreground drama. Coornhert utilizes line and form not just to depict, but to argue for a triumph of reason and honesty over deceit, reflecting the philosophical currents of his time.