Prayer
1602
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
About the artist
Artist
Johann Theodor de Bry
Johann Theodor de Bry (1561–1623) was a German artist, born in Strasbourg.
See the richer artist page1602
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
Dominant colour
Prayer is a 1602 by Johann Theodor de Bry, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
This print shows a busy, crowded scene with lots of tiny details. In the center, a man kneels with a child, both looking upward. Above them, a bright light shines down, and angels float nearby. Around them, people work—some farm, others sail or build. Buildings, a windmill, and a church fill the background, while grapes and tools lie scattered on the ground. Notice how the artist packed so much into one image: daily life, faith, and nature all mixed together. The light and shadows create a dramatic effect, making some figures stand out while others fade into the background. Look up chiaroscuro next to see how this lighting trick works.
Johann Theodor de Bry (1561–1623) was a German artist, born in Strasbourg.
See the richer artist page
