Exempel und Lehr Jetziger Welt Lauf Possibly 1622

Andreas Bretschneider created this engraving, “Exempel und Lehr Jetziger Welt Lauf,” which translates to “Example and Lesson of the Current World” in the early 17th century. During this period in Europe, social structures were extremely hierarchical. Bretschneider’s image shows a visual metaphor for this dynamic, a commentary on the weight of societal burdens. We see one man carrying another on his shoulders. The man on top is pointing towards the horizon, seemingly directing the path, while the man below bears the load. What does it mean to literally carry another person? The image suggests questions of physical labor and social mobility. Consider how class and power intersect here. The lower figure’s gaze is cast downward; the figure above enjoys a better view. How might the themes of inequality and dependency resonate with you? The artist invites us to reflect on the burdens we carry, both literally and figuratively, and how these shape our journey through the world.