Armoede volgt op Rijkdom

This print, "Poverty Follows Wealth" by Gillis van Breen, was made around 1620 using engraving, a process that marries technical skill with social commentary. Engraving is inherently a reproductive medium. The artist etches lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The stark contrast and fine detail we see here speak to the engraver's mastery, requiring the application of tremendous force. The method is labor-intensive, mirroring the societal realities depicted. Note how the artist uses the medium to great effect. The figures are finely dressed, yet they are pulled back by figures representing poverty. The act of engraving, with its disciplined lines, parallels the constraints of the social order. The print then becomes a poignant reflection on the relationship between wealth, labor, and the relentless grip of poverty. By understanding the work involved in its making, we gain insight into the broader themes of labor and class.