De luiaard wordt neergeslagen door Armoede en Gebrek 1563 - 1579

This engraving titled ‘The Sluggard is Struck Down by Poverty and Want’ was made by Philips Galle sometime in the late 16th century, amidst the social and economic upheavals of early modern Europe. Galle was a prominent figure in the booming print industry in Antwerp. In this piece, Galle presents a moralizing allegory typical of his time. It stages a violent confrontation between personifications of 'Sloth' being beaten by 'Poverty' and 'Want'. The image reflects the era's strong work ethic and social hierarchies. It also casts sloth as an active vice to be punished. What is absent from this scene, is the recognition of circumstances that might contribute to a person's poverty. Galle's print invites viewers to reflect on their own relationship to labor and the dangers of idleness. The print offers a stark reminder of the social and economic pressures of 16th-century life, while also revealing a certain callousness towards the poor. It's a piece that compels us to consider how societal values shape individual fates.