Een jonge man wordt door twee duivels aan een boom geketend after 1610

This print, made by Cornelis Galle I in the late 16th or early 17th century, presents us with a scene of moral struggle, rendered in meticulous detail. The composition is stark: a young man, vulnerable and exposed, is flanked by two menacing devils and chained to a barren tree. The artist uses contrasting textures to create an oppressive atmosphere. The smooth skin of the man against the coarse fur of the devils creates a tactile tension. Galle employs linear precision to define each element, from the gnarled branches of the tree to the grotesque features of the devils, emphasizing a battle between good and evil. The figures are set against a backdrop of jagged mountains, mirroring the inner turmoil of the central figure. Encircling vignettes with biblical quotes add layers of interpretive depth, framing the scene within a broader religious discourse. This strategic use of form serves not merely as aesthetic design but as a structured narrative, inviting the viewer to contemplate themes of sin, redemption, and the human condition.