The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

About this work

This engraving shows a busy scene with a large fig tree in the center. People are gathered around it—some standing, others picking fruit or working the ground. In the background, there’s a castle-like building with a tall tower, a church spire, and a small harbor with boats. The sky is dark, and the whole scene looks detailed and layered, with lots of tiny lines creating shadows and textures. Notice the Latin text at the bottom—it’s a quote from the Bible about a fig tree that doesn’t bear fruit. The artist used this story to show a moral lesson in a crowded, everyday setting. Want to know more about how this image was made? Look up engraving.