Herbergen van vreemdelingen before 1571

Pieter Nagel created this engraving, "Herbergen van vreemdelingen," which translates to "Shelters of Strangers," as part of a series illustrating the seven acts of charity. The print offers us a glimpse into the complex dynamics of charity and marginalization in early modern society. We see a well-dressed figure welcoming travelers into a grand building. Yet, the image also depicts a scene of violence and exclusion in the background, perhaps of those deemed undesirable. The tension between welcome and rejection, resonates deeply with contemporary issues of immigration and social justice. Nagel prompts us to consider who is considered worthy of care and compassion, and who is cast aside. The intimate moment of welcome is set against a backdrop of societal indifference and violence. The figures are rendered in a way that emphasizes their humanity and vulnerability, inviting us to empathize with their plight. Nagel’s work serves as a reminder that acts of charity, are deeply intertwined with broader social and political structures.