Artwork
Parable of the Sower
Parable of the Sower is a work on paper by the Renaissance artist Philip Galle. It dates from 1574 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Parable of the Sower is a 1574 engraving by Philip Galle, a Dutch publisher and engraver, translating a painted composition into print. The work is part of a portfolio of four black-and-white prints.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a biblical scene from the Parable of the Sower, utilizing symbols such as globes, books, and crosses to convey moral lessons rather than represent actual individuals or locations.
Technique & Style
Characterized by sharp, detailed lines, the print exemplifies Galle's engraving expertise. The dramatic scenes, set amidst forests, fields, hills, and buildings, feature figures in various states of dress and activity.
History & Provenance
Produced in 1574, the engraving is now held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, reflecting Galle's role in circulating religious imagery through printmaking in the late 16th century.
Context
This work represents the period's emphasis on scriptural illustration through print, aligning with Galle's practice of designing, engraving, and publishing old master prints for wide dissemination.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.
Dianae Ephesiae Templum (The Temple of Diana at Ephesus)
Saint Peter Speaks to the People about Christ
The Vision of Saint Peter
Beheading of Saint James
Saint Paul Shipwrecked on the Island of Melita
The Angel Orders Saint Philip to Accompany the Ethiopian Eunuch
Notorious Examples of Wealth from Antiquity
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
The Parable of the Sower and the Seed: The Seed Falling by the Way Side (after Gerard Van Groeningen, active Antwerp 1563-1573)
The Seed Falling among the Stones
The Seed Falling by the Wayside
The Seed finding Good Earth
The Seed Received among the Thorns
The Seed Received among the Thorns, from the Parable of the Sower