Lijstwerk met profeten 1525 - 1530

This is "Lijstwerk met profeten" or "Framework with prophets" made by Lucas van Leyden, a Dutch printmaker and painter during the Northern Renaissance. Van Leyden made this print during a time of religious questioning. As people began to express their doubts about the church, one of the main topics of the Renaissance was the figure of the prophet. The men are wearing various hats, and are captured in states of discourse. They gesture expressively, perhaps trying to convince each other of their views. The artwork is emotionally loaded with the uncertainty that followed the reformation. Van Leyden uses the architecture to add weight to the figures above, almost literally placing them on a pedestal, while capturing men in conversation. This work offers an interesting glimpse into both society, religion and identity during the Renaissance.