Sending Forth of the Apostles, with Lobster, Rat, Crab, and Lioness 1582 - 1586

Curator: This is Adriaen Collaert's "Sending Forth of the Apostles, with Lobster, Rat, Crab, and Lioness," created sometime between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. The dimensions of the plate are 14.3 x 21.1 cm. Editor: Intriguing! The juxtaposition of a biblical scene with such an array of creatures feels almost surreal. What statement do you think Collaert intended to make? Curator: As an engraving, its production relied heavily on the labor of skilled artisans. The inclusion of these animals, seemingly mundane, could be a commentary on the natural world's role in divine mission. Editor: Perhaps. Or maybe it's speaking to the complicated, sometimes beastly, aspects of human nature that accompany even the most pious endeavors. Look at how these figures interact with their environment! Curator: It's fascinating to consider the materials, the process of etching, and how these choices contribute to the overall meaning and accessibility of the work. Editor: Indeed. By considering the historical and social milieu, we can interpret this plate as an invitation to reflect on the complex relationship between the sacred and the profane, the human and the animal. Curator: A thought-provoking piece that certainly makes us look at the world and its components in a new light. Editor: Absolutely, encouraging us to reconsider the narratives we tell ourselves about faith, nature, and our place within it.