Elisha Curses the Youths, with Lizard, Fish, Frog, and Bird - Adriaen Collaert

A detailed Flemish engraving by Adriaen Collaert depicting the biblical story of Elisha, framed by a decorative border of animals and plants.

This engraving by Adriaen Collaert depicts the biblical narrative of the prophet Elisha, who is shown cursing a group of youths. The central scene is set within a detailed rural environment, featuring rolling hills, a small village, and trees that frame the action. The composition follows the conventions of late sixteenth-century Flemish printmaking, where the primary subject is enclosed by a decorative border.

The border itself is a notable feature of the work, containing various natural elements including a lizard, fish, a frog, and a bird, interspersed with floral motifs. This style of framing, often associated with the work of Hans Bol, who provided the designs for many of Collaert's prints, demonstrates a fascination with the natural world that was common among artists of the period. The contrast between the dramatic biblical event in the centre and the calm, observational nature studies in the margins creates a distinct visual rhythm.

Adriaen Collaert was a member of a prominent family of engravers in Antwerp. His technical skill is evident in the fine lines used to render the textures of the foliage, the scales of the fish, and the architectural details of the village in the background. The engraving reflects the period's interest in combining moralising religious narratives with the burgeoning scientific curiosity regarding flora and fauna. The print is a clear example of the collaborative nature of print production in the Low Countries, where designers and engravers worked in tandem to produce series for a growing market of collectors and scholars. The work remains a precise record of the aesthetic priorities of the era, balancing narrative clarity with decorative precision.