Who painted Balaam and the Ass?

Balaam and the Ass was painted by Hans Bol in 1583.

Where can I see Balaam and the Ass?

Balaam and the Ass is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Balaam and the Ass?

Balaam and the Ass is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

Balaam and the Ass

Hans Bol , 1583

Balaam and the Ass is a drawing by the Renaissance artist Hans Bol. It dates from 1583 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Balaam and the Ass is a small watercolor miniature on parchment, primarily showcasing a sweeping rural landscape with a distant hillside city, alongside a subsidiary Old Testament scene in the foreground.

Subject & Meaning

While depicting the biblical story of Balaam and the Ass, the work's focus lies in its idyllic landscape. The narrative, associated with greed in the 16th century, was likely part of a moralistic series for domestic display.

Technique & Style

Hans Bol employed watercolor on parchment, blending realistic cityscapes (based on observed details) with imaginary elements. The distant landscape features a soft, hazy effect, characteristic of sfumato, which blurs the far-off hills.

History & Provenance

Created in the late 16th century for an urban Netherlandish audience, the miniature was probably displayed with companion pieces highlighting contemporary moral issues in a private setting.

Context

The work catered to the tastes of 16th-century Netherlandish city dwellers, offering an attractive escape through its blend of recognizable and fictional landscapes.