Monnik met munten Possibly 1670 - 1724

Jacob Gole created this print called *Monnik met munten*, or Monk with Coins, sometime between 1670 and 1724. Gole satirizes the Catholic Church, representing the monk as a grotesque figure adorned with a necklace of coins. The inscription identifies him as the treasurer of the Inquisition. The text suggests that the wealth of Chile and Peru was stolen through devotion and persecution, masked as pious acts. This work critiques the hypocrisy and corruption within religious institutions, particularly their exploitation of wealth and power under the guise of piety. It is a commentary on how religious authority can be used to justify greed and oppression, masking self-interest with sanctimony. The emotional resonance of this piece lies in its unflinching portrayal of moral decay and the abuse of power. It reflects a time of questioning and challenging established norms.