The Parable of the Sower and the Seed: The Seed Falling by the Way Side (after Gerard Van Groeningen, active Antwerp 1563-1573)

1574

From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art

About this work

This etching shows three figures in a rocky landscape. One person is sitting on the ground, looking down, while another leans toward them with a hand on their shoulder. A third figure stands in the background, holding something in their hand. Trees, hills, and a distant town are etched in the background, with birds flying overhead. The scene looks like a moment from a story, where the seated figure seems lost or tired. The artist used sharp lines and shading to show the textures of the rocks and clothing. Next, look up Renaissance to see how this style fits into that time.