Minneapolis Institute of Art
The Miser and the Miscarriage
Barthel BehamLinkedCulture matchlcp-3d08c70b42ee
- Date
- c. 1528–32
- Medium
- Engraving
- Department
- European Art
- Institution
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Object ID
- 121475
From the Minneapolis Institute of Art record
This allegory with a mother and stillborn child is among Barthel Beham’s more unorthodox images. The miser’s presence is explained by the biblical inscription, which reads: “The wise man says that an untimely birth is better than a miser who does not enjoy his wealth” (Ecclesiastes 6:3). In other words, if your thirst for money keeps you from enjoying life, you’d be better off dead. Germany, Europe
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Provenance & credit
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- Credit line
- Gift of Elizabeth, Julie, and Catherine Andrus in memory of John and Marion Andrus
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