Who painted The Sending Out of the Apostles?

The Sending Out of the Apostles was painted by Adriaen Collaert in 1584.

Where can I see The Sending Out of the Apostles?

The Sending Out of the Apostles is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Sending Out of the Apostles?

The Sending Out of the Apostles is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Sending Out of the Apostles

Adriaen Collaert , 1584

The Sending Out of the Apostles is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Adriaen Collaert. It dates from 1584 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Adriaen Collaert’s engraving, dated around 1584, depicts a bustling rural landscape centered on a gathering beneath a tree. The composition is enclosed by an ornate border teeming with miniature fauna and flora. The work is part of the National Gallery of Art’s collection in Washington, D.C.

Subject & Meaning

The central group appears to be receiving a sermon or blessing, suggesting a biblical episode of the apostles being dispatched. Surrounding figures engage in everyday activities—tending fields, walking, and working—creating a contrast between sacred instruction and ordinary life.

Technique & Style

Executed as an engraving on laid paper, Collaert incised the image onto a copper plate, producing fine lines and delicate shading. The intricate border showcases his skill in rendering tiny creatures, from birds and fish to fantastical hybrids, demonstrating the meticulous detail characteristic of late‑Renaissance prints.

History & Provenance

The print was created in the late sixteenth century, a period when Flemish engravers were active in disseminating religious imagery. It entered the National Gallery of Art’s holdings through acquisition, where it remains on display as an example of early modern printmaking.

Context

Collaert worked in Antwerp, a hub for print production, and often collaborated with publishers to produce devotional images for a broad audience. The scene reflects contemporary interest in combining narrative religious content with genre elements of daily rural life.