Featured on PDR in the collection The Difficulty of Ruling over a Diverse Nation (1578)

16th-century Dutch engraving depicting a fantastical animal with the heads of various other animals sprouting from its body: an allegory for the difficulty of ruling over a diverse nation. In the background, watching on, can be seen a small mob or leaders, both secular and religious. This work by Antwerp-based artist Pieter van der Borcht the Elder, with its image of a confused and troubled body politic, is perhaps just as relevant now as it was then.

Also appearing in the collection…

Allegory on the Difficulty of Governing

Artist

Date

1578


Underlying Rights

Public Domain Worldwide

Digital Rights

No Additional Rights


Image Size

1200 x 865 Higher res available?

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