Who painted The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree?

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree was painted by Adriaen Collaert in 1585.

Where can I see The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree?

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree?

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree is associated with Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree?

Museum-quality prints of The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

Adriaen Collaert , 1585

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Adriaen Collaert. It dates from 1585 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:lower center, in plate, in image: .1.5.8.5.; lower right, in plate, in image: .H. Bol. Inu A.C. fec Sadl .exc; below image, in plate: Frugifera eximijs offertur laudibus arbor / Quae tempestivos dat fructus grata colono. / Vindice sed merito sterilis ruit icta bipenni. / Saepe tamen precibus differtur poena malorum. Luc. 13. (The fruitful tree which graciously confers seasonable fruits on the husbandman, is shown high praise. But the barren one, having justly been struck by the vengeful ax, falls to ruin. Yet often is the punishment of evildoers deferred through prayers of supplication. Luke 13. [translation from Melion, Walter S. and James Clifton_Through a Glass Darkly: Allegory & Faith in Nethlerlandish Prints from Lucas van Leyden to Rembrandt._Atlanta: Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University, 2019, p.152.])

About this work

Overview

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree is a 1585 engraving on laid paper by Adriaen Collaert, depicting a vivid, detailed scene centered around a large fig tree, set amidst a bustling landscape with architectural and maritime elements.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving illustrates a biblical parable (quoted in Latin at the bottom) about a non-fruiting fig tree, conveying a moral lesson. The choice of a crowded, everyday setting contextualizes the religious narrative within a relatable, mundane environment.

Technique & Style

Characterized by intricate, layered details achieved through dense, tiny lines that create textures and shadows. The dark sky adds depth to the composition, while the overall style reflects the meticulous craftsmanship of 16th-century engraving techniques.

History & Provenance

Created in 1585 by Adriaen Collaert, specific provenance details are not provided, highlighting the work's existence as a notable example of late Renaissance printmaking.

Context

Reflects the Renaissance interest in blending religious themes with everyday life. The inclusion of a castle, church, and harbor suggests a scene possibly set in a Flemish or similar European landscape, typical of the period's artistic tendencies.

Legacy

While specific legacy details are not provided, the work contributes to the broader legacy of 16th-century Flemish printmaking, exemplifying the era's technical proficiency and thematic preoccupations.