Sorgheloos leeft in armoede 1541

Cornelis Anthonisz. made this woodcut, “Sorgheloos leeft in armoede,” which translates to “Carelessness leads to poverty,” sometime before his death in 1553. Woodcut is an early form of printing; the artist carves an image into a block of wood, then applies ink to the raised surface and presses it onto paper. In this piece, the stark contrast between the cutaway white lines and the black ink, enhances the scene's chaotic feel, depicting a household in disarray, with figures feasting, fighting, and generally neglecting their duties. The very act of making a woodcut speaks to a society becoming more industrialized and mechanized, where images could be reproduced and disseminated widely. Here, the amount of labor involved in the production process seems ironic, given the subject matter. The artist's meticulous carving contrasts sharply with the portrayed carelessness. This juxtaposition highlights how social commentary can emerge through the making process itself, challenging us to reflect on the relationship between labor, value, and the human condition.