God deelt verschillende taken uit aan de drie standen c. 1565 - 1638

Philips Galle created this engraving, “God deelt verschillende taken uit aan de drie standen”, around 1600. The formal composition features a clear division between the divine and the earthly, rendered in precise lines that delineate form and space. God sits enthroned amidst swirling clouds. Three rays extend downward, connecting the celestial realm with the three kneeling figures below. The organization of this piece suggests a rigid social hierarchy. Each figure occupies a distinct position within the composition, which is further emphasized by their symbolic attributes. The king, the clergyman, and the peasant are each defined by their stance, gesture, and the objects surrounding them. The engraving functions as a visual semiotic system, using lines and spatial arrangement to convey a complex message about divine authority and social order. It invites us to interpret not just what is depicted, but how its formal structure reinforces certain cultural codes and power dynamics. It’s a fascinating intersection of artistic form and socio-political ideology.