The foolish world prefers the temporary good

The personification of the Foolish World (Sultus mundanus) wears the spectacles of False Opinion (Opinio). She points out the shadow figure of the Lie (Mendacium) who approaches with a bag full of worldly goods: wealth, gluttony, sensual love and power. In return for this temporary good, the Foolish World offers his heart. The Foolish World seems not to realize that he has one foot in the grave. With his other foot he stands on an hourglass, which symbolizes the transience of human existence. The personification of Truth (Veritas) tries to bring the Foolish World to his senses with a crucifix, but in vain. The print has a Latin and a Dutch inscription and is part of a four-part series on the theme of how false opinion brings the world to ruin.