Tax CollectorsNew types of taxes and more effective methods of tax collection were essential to the growth of Renaissance states, but both were often highly unpopular. In this painting from about 1540, the Dutch artist Marinus van Reymerswaele depicts two tax collectors as they count their take and record it in a ledger. Tax collectors were of middling status, but the men shown here wear clothing more appropriate for nobles. (Erich Lessing/Art Resource, NY)> PICTURING THE PASTANALYZING THE IMAGE: What elements of the men’s clothing suggest wealth? How would you describe the expressions on their faces? What does the painting suggest about the artist’s opinion of tax collectors?
CONNECTIONS: In Spain, converso tax collectors were widely resented. What were some of the reasons behind this resentment? How did this hatred shape political developments in Spain?
CONNECTIONS: In Spain, converso tax collectors were widely resented. What were some of the reasons behind this resentment? How did this hatred shape political developments in Spain?