Artwork
The Parable of the Rich Fool
The Parable of the Rich Fool 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 left, in plate, in image: .A.C. fec.; lower center, in plate, in image: .H. Bol. Inu.; lower right, in plate, in image: .Sadl. exc .1.5.8.5.; below image, in plate: Ingens ad vitium mortales ducit opum vis, / Aedificantque suis nova frugibus horrea, cunctam / Figentes temere terrena in mole salutem. / At messe ignotas potitur, cellaque recondit. Luc 12 (The immense power of riches leads mortal men to vice, and they build new granaries for the produce of their fields, heedlessly placing all their safety in earthly might. But the man of low condition obtains the harvest and lays up the storehouse. Luke 12. [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.151.])
About this work
Overview
The Parable of the Rich Fool is an engraving on laid paper created by Adriaen Collaert in 1585.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a rural scene with figures engaged in various activities, set against a backdrop of a village and landscape. The accompanying text at the bottom suggests a biblical narrative related to greed and wisdom.
Technique & Style
The engraving is characterized by fine lines and shading, capturing a range of details from the natural environment to the tools and activities of the figures.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
