Wie procedeert, moet schaamteloos, geduldig en rijk zijn 1597

Hendrick Goltzius created this engraving, "Wie procedeert, moet schaamteloos, geduldig en rijk zijn," which translates to "Whoever sues must be shameless, patient, and rich," sometime before his death in 1617. Goltzius lived during a tumultuous period in European history marked by religious conflict and social upheaval. Here, Goltzius critiques the nature of justice and power. He casts a critical eye on the legal system, suggesting that success within it hinges not on truth or fairness, but rather on one's capacity for audacity, endurance, and wealth. The figures burdened with sacks labeled "Impatientia," "Dolus," and "Vecordia"—or Impatience, Deceit, and Madness—highlight the emotional and moral costs of pursuing legal battles. Goltzius challenges traditional representations of justice as blind and impartial, showing how it can be co-opted by those with the means to manipulate it. He offers an alternative narrative, which focuses on how social and economic forces shape the legal landscape. In its depiction of the emotional toll, this piece serves as a reflection on the human condition.