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Allegory of Abuses by the Authorities of Church and State, 1570-1580. Creator: Gillis Mostaert
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Allegory of Abuses by the Authorities of Church and State, 1570-1580. Creator: Gillis Mostaert
Allegory of Abuses by the Authorities of Church and State, 1570-1580. Alternative title: The Haywain: An Allegory of Worldly and Spiritual Abuses. People fight to get their hands on hay which symbolises worldly possessions. Below left is Death
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Media ID 36319121
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Abuse Acolyte Allegorical Basket Bell Bell Ringer Bell Ringing Bells Bishop Campanology Cardinal Chicken Chickens Choir Boy Choir Boys Choirboy Choirboys Clergy Crutch Crutches Demon Demons Devil Devils Disabilities Disability Disabled Donkey Eating Fight Greed Immoral Immorality Killing Monk Monks Monstrance Morality Nuns Pope Priest Priests Sinner Sinners Strange Violence Violent
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Allegory of Abuses by the Authorities of Church and State,
EDITORS COMMENTS
also known as "The Haywain: An Allegory of Worldly and Spiritual Abuses," is a powerful and thought-provoking oil on panel painting created by Gillis Mostaert between 1570 and 1580. This masterpiece of the Dutch artistic school is a vivid representation of the depravity and moral decay that plagued the Church and State during the 16th century. At the center of the composition, a chaotic scene unfolds as people clamor to grab handfuls of hay, symbolizing worldly possessions. Below left, the figure of Death stands ominously, reminding us of the transience of earthly life. The painting is rich in allegorical symbolism, with various figures representing different vices and abuses. On the left side, a cardinal and a bishop are depicted in luxurious robes, their faces contorted in greed and avarice. A monk, crutch in hand, is shown stealing from a monstrance, symbolizing the spiritual corruption within the Church. On the right side, a bell ringer rings bells, while a boy tries to steal one, representing the ringing of false alarms and the corruption of the State. The painting is also filled with smaller details, such as acolytes and choirboys fighting over chickens, symbolizing the immorality and depravity that had infiltrated the ranks of the clergy. Demons and devils lurk in the background, further emphasizing the moral decay. This powerful allegory by Gillis Mostaert serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of greed, corruption, and moral decay, and remains a fascinating and important work of art from the Netherlands in the 16th century.
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