1559
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
Charity is a 1559 ink by Philip Galle, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This crowded scene shows a woman in a long robe handing out food to a packed crowd. People are sprawled on the ground, reaching up with bowls and baskets. In the background, a few buildings and a church tower loom over a busy street where more figures scramble or work. The lines are sharp and dark, making every face and gesture stand out. The woman at the center is labeled *Charitas*, a name for charity in Latin. The artist packed in so many people that some are almost lost in the chaos, but their expressions show hunger and hope. Look up engraving to see how artists like this one used metal plates to create detailed prints.
Philip (or Philips) Galle (1537 – March 1612) was a Dutch publisher, best known for publishing old master prints, which he also produced as designer and engraver. He is especially known for his reproductive engravings of paintings.
See the richer artist page
![Charity [recto]](https://pub-3a17a9933ad74fb28aa30fa758592f23.r2.dev/artworks/5c20ea2a094179e0/thumb.webp)
