Parable of the Good Shepherd

Pieter Bruegel the Elder|Philips Galle

1565 · Engraving · Drawings and Prints

Pieter Bruegel the Elder created only one print himself (The Rabbit Hunt, acc. no. 25.2.11) but he was a prolific designer of prints that were engraved and etched by others. The artist's drawn design for this engraving by Philips Galle has not survived. The Parable of the Good Shepherd depicts Christ emerging from a cottage that is attacked on all sides by thieves. He is surrounded by sheep and carries one on his shoulders. He is depicted as the good shepherd who is willing to die to protect his flock. He contrasts with the faithless shepherd in the upper right who runs from the wolf who attacks his flock. The accompanying verses were penned by Hadrianus Junius, a doctor and humanist scholar.

Artist

Pieter Bruegel the Elder|Philips Galle

Date

1565

Medium

Engraving

Department

Drawings and Prints

Credit line

Gift of Julian and Hope Edison, in honor of Nadine Orenstein, 2019