The Parable of the Sower (Le Semeur de Paraboles)

The Parable of the Sower (Le Semeur de Paraboles)

Félicien Rops

1876

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From the collection of National Gallery of Art

About this work

This sketch shows a lone man walking through a field of tall grass and wild plants. His clothes are loose, his hands busy—one holds a bundle, the other gestures forward. The ground is uneven, with patches of dirt and scattered rocks. The artist used quick, sketchy lines to show movement and texture, leaving some areas rough and others smooth. The man’s focused expression and the rough landscape suggest he’s on a journey. The title hints this might be a story from the Bible, but the image feels more like a moment caught in time than a lesson. Want to see more? Check out etching to learn how artists like this one create layered, textured prints.

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