Christ in the Wheatfield, with Mole, Squirrel, and Birds by Adriaen Collaert

1582 - 1586

Christ in the Wheatfield, with Mole, Squirrel, and Birds

Listen to curator's interpretation

0:00
0:00

Curatorial notes

Curator: This is Adriaen Collaert's engraving, "Christ in the Wheatfield, with Mole, Squirrel, and Birds." Editor: Oh, my goodness! It's a tapestry of peace, isn’t it? The Christ figure seems almost incidental amidst all that flora and fauna. Curator: Indeed, observe how the composition balances the sacred subject with elements of the natural world. The border itself becomes a frame within a frame, filled with symbolic creatures. Editor: Yes, the border is teeming with critters. It feels so comforting somehow, all these little creatures coexisting alongside Christ, this feels like a testament to the beauty of simple things. Curator: The detail invites contemplation on humankind’s relationship with nature and the divine, quite remarkable. Editor: It's like a hidden garden, whispering secrets of tranquility and faith. Such a pleasure to observe this artwork with you.