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The Foolish World Prefers the Temporary Good

Hendrick Goltzius, ca. 1575

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Premium fine art paper: 100% cotton, acid-free, archival
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Museum quality Giclée print
Premium fine art paper, 100% cotton, acid-free, archival
1" border
Image Size: 11" x 9" – Total Size: 13" x 11"
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The personification of the Foolish World (Sultus mundanus) wears the glasses of Wrong Belief (Opinio). She points out to him the shadow figure Lie (Mendacium) who comes with a bag full of worldly goods: wealth, gluttony, sensual love and power. In exchange for this temporary good, Foolish World offers his heart, while standing with one leg in the grave and the other on an hourglass, which symbolizes the temporality of human existence. The personification of Truth (Veritas) tries to change the mind of Foolish World with a crucifix, but in vain. (Source: Rijksmuseum)