Artwork

Allegory of "Pride Goeth Before Destruction...": A Gentleman and a Lady on Horseback

Allegory of "Pride Goeth Before Destruction...": A Gentleman and a Lady on Horseback is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Christoph Bockstorfer. It dates from 1531 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Allegory of 'Pride Goeth Before Destruction.

About this work

Overview

Allegory of 'Pride Goeth Before Destruction...': A Gentleman and a Lady on Horseback is a 1531 etching by Christoph Bockstorfer, conveying a moral message through a meticulously detailed scene of two riders in a landscape.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a gentleman and lady on horseback, with the woman clinging to the man's arm, symbolizing the biblical proverb 'Pride Goeth Before Destruction' - a cautionary warning against hubris.

Technique & Style

Executed in iron etching, the work showcases Bockstorfer's mastery of the medium, achieving depth and dimensionality through intricate textures and shading, characteristic of Renaissance-era realism.

History & Provenance

Created in 1531 by Christoph Bockstorfer, specific provenance details are not provided, highlighting the need for further research into the artwork's historical ownership and exhibition history.

Context

Emerging from the Renaissance, this etching reflects the period's emphasis on detailed realism and the use of art to convey moral lessons, aligning with the cultural and artistic values of 16th-century Europe.

Legacy

While the etching's direct influence is not elaborated upon, it contributes to the broader legacy of Renaissance allegorical art, continuing to educate viewers about the era's artistic and philosophical themes.