Artwork

Interior of the Church of Saint Katherine with Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican

Interior of the Church of Saint Katherine with Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Daniel Hopfer. It dates from 1530 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This print, created around 1530, is an iron etching with open biting by Daniel Hopfer, a German artist known for his work in etching and woodcut.

Subject & Meaning

The etching depicts a crowded church interior, illustrating the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. The scene is divided between a large group of people and angels in the left arch and a smaller, intimate scene of two figures kneeling at an altar on the right.

Technique & Style

Hopfer used iron plates, a material familiar from his earlier work in armor production, to create the etching. The technique of open biting allowed for sharp lines and detailed textures, capturing the folds of robes and intricate carvings.

History & Provenance

Daniel Hopfer, active from around 1493 until his death in 1536, was a pioneer in etching. His use of iron plates reflects his background in metalwork.

Artist & collection

Artist

Daniel Hopfer

Daniel Hopfer (c. 1470 – 1536) was a German artist who is widely believed to have been the first to use etching in printmaking, at the end of the 15th century. He also worked in woodcut. Although his etchings were…