De vier excellensten der older regenten 1509 - 1553

Cornelis Anthonisz.’s ‘The Four Excellencies of Old Regents’ is a woodcut, emblematic of the artist’s role in the cultural and political life of 16th-century Amsterdam. Anthonisz. served as the city’s painter and cartographer. The artwork presents four rulers from the Old Testament, each accompanied by a kneeling figure. We see a conventional hierarchy, highlighting the power dynamics of the time, where rulers were seen as divinely ordained. But let’s consider this image within its historical context. This was a period marked by religious upheaval, with the rise of Protestantism challenging the Catholic Church's dominance. Anthonisz., working in the Netherlands, was part of a society grappling with questions of religious authority and moral leadership. This woodcut thus can be seen not merely as a representation of historical figures but as a commentary on contemporary leadership. It asks, what constitutes good governance? What are the responsibilities of those in power? It's as much about the present as it is about the past.