Public domain

Everyman

Pieter van der Heyden · 1556 - 1560 · engraving; paper

From the collection of Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Free to download, adapt and use — no permission needed.

About this work

The bearded figure with the lantern represents Everyman during his lifelong search. The legend explains, 'Everyone searches for himself in various things, all over the world. How can anyone then get lost, when one is always looking for oneself? However, no one knows himself, … Whoever understands this has insight into a great miracle'.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description

Subjects

print Selfishness lantern

Credit lineElck (Iedereen). 1556 - 1560. Pieter van der Heyden. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.

Open in Explore View at source