Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus 16th-17th century

Curator: This engraving is by Crispijn de Passe the Elder, likely created in the late 16th or early 17th century. It visualizes the "Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus." Editor: The composition is striking. It is split in two: worldly wealth contrasting sharply with divine salvation—a rather harsh awakening for the rich man, I'd say. Curator: Yes, note the rich man in his bed, surrounded by worried figures, versus the scene through the window and doorway, which shows Lazarus being carried to heaven by angels. Editor: The treasure chest brimming with gold is a blunt, but effective, visual shorthand. It feels like de Passe is almost enjoying the rich man's comeuppance. Curator: The engraving uses symbolic imagery common at the time to represent mortality and divine judgment. The contrast in light and shadow emphasizes the moral divide. Editor: It definitely leaves you pondering the transience of material possessions, doesn't it? Curator: Indeed, a powerful visual sermon on earthly versus eternal rewards.