Rijkdom is waardeloos na de dood 1563

This engraving, made by Philips Galle, presents a densely populated scene rendered in fine lines that create dramatic contrasts. The image plane is divided into distinct groups: one of figures embarking on a boat, another surrounding a crowned figure. At its heart, the composition employs a visual rhetoric common in allegorical prints of the period, presenting a moralizing message through symbolic figures and actions. The artist uses line and form to destabilize conventional notions of earthly power and wealth. The stark contrast between light and shadow exaggerates the drama and enhances the didactic intent. The structure of the engraving, therefore, operates as a semiotic system. Here, the conventional symbols of wealth, power, and death are not merely represented but are actively deconstructed through visual juxtaposition. This challenges the viewer to question fixed meanings and engage with the artist's critique of societal values. Ultimately, the formal elements work to convey the ephemeral nature of earthly possessions, inviting ongoing interpretation.