Arkivism
The Fall of Man
Public domain

The Fall of Man

Hieronymus Wierix · 1578 · engraving; paper

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

About this work

Allegory on the downfall of man. The Worldly Man (Mundanus Homo) falls with his table through the open hatch in the floor. The devil (Diabolus) holds his nets ready to catch him. A naked woman, Sin (Peccatum), pulls the Worldly Man by his coat so that she can pierce him with her arrow. In the middle, Death (Mors) aims his arrow at the falling man. He is held back by Divine Grace (Gratia). Above her head, the dove of the Holy Spirit. Far right, Arrogance (Arrogantia), the man with helmet, shield, and raised sword, Ambition (Ambitio), and Violence (Violentia) fight. They struggle over the earthly riches that have fallen through the hole in the floor from the bed of Vanitas. The image is clarified by Dutch, French, and German inscriptions in the margin.

Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam’s own description
Subjects
printVehemence, Violence, FiercenessAmbitionArrogance'Arroganza' (Ripa)Death as manVice, Evil, Sin'Peccato' (Ripa)
Credit lineVal van de mens. 1578. Hieronymus Wierix. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Public domain.
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