The Misanthrope Robbed by the World
1568
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
About the artist
1568
ink
From the collection of National Gallery of Art
The Misanthrope Robbed by the World is a 1568 ink by Johan Wierix, a Renaissance work, held at National Gallery of Art.
This engraving shows a tall, serious man in old-fashioned clothes holding a long staff. Around him, small figures—some on horses, others crawling—reach for his pockets, coat, and even his hat. A tiny person with a hammer is stealing his boots. In the background, a church and a windmill stand under a cloudy sky. The man’s face looks tired, like he’s being drained by the world. The text around the edges is in different languages, adding to the sense that everyone is taking from him. This is a great example of engraving—the artist used fine lines and shading to create depth.
