1572
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Lord Endowing the Diligent Worker with Food and Clothing is a 1572 ink by Philip Galle, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows four figures in a rocky landscape. On the left, a robed woman holds a spear and a shield with a cross. Next to her, a bare-chested man labeled *Victus* leans on a spear. In the center, another man labeled *Amicus* gestures upward. On the right, a strong man labeled *Labor* lifts a sack while a winged figure hovers above him. The figures seem to represent ideas—like hard work and friendship—rather than real people. The Latin text at the bottom gives a moral lesson about effort and reward. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like Galle made 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.
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