Faith was painted by Philip Galle in 1559.

Where can I see Faith?

Faith is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Faith?

Faith is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Faith

Philip Galle , 1559

Faith is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Philip Galle. It dates from 1559 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Philip Galle’s 1559 engraving titled Faith depicts a bustling interior of a church. A robed figure stands on a raised platform, holding a book in his left hand and gesturing with his right, while a crowd of seated and standing worshippers looks toward him. The scene is rendered with dense line work, conveying a solemn atmosphere.

Subject & Meaning

The central speaker, likely a cleric, addresses a congregation gathered for a religious service, embodying the virtue of Faith through his authoritative pose and the attentive audience. The composition emphasizes communal devotion, with the surrounding figures unified in their focus on the sermon, suggesting the collective affirmation of belief.

Technique & Style

Executed in fine cross‑hatching, the engraving demonstrates Galle’s skill in translating complex spatial arrangements into print. The intricate line work delineates architectural details, clothing folds, and the texture of objects on the floor, creating a sense of depth and volume within the limited monochrome medium.

History & Provenance

Galle, a Dutch publisher and engraver of the late sixteenth century, frequently produced reproductive prints after the designs of other artists. Faith is based on an earlier composition whose original creator is not documented in surviving records, reflecting the collaborative nature of print culture in the period.

Artist & collection

Artist

Philip Galle

Philip (or Philips) Galle (1537 – March 1612) was a Dutch publisher, best known for publishing old master prints, which he also produced as designer and engraver. He is especially known for his reproductive engravings of paintings.