The Good Samaritan, with Fish, Lizard, Squirrel, and Owl - Adriaen Collaert

A detailed Flemish engraving by Adriaen Collaert, featuring a biblical scene framed by precise illustrations of animals and plants.

This engraving by Adriaen Collaert belongs to a tradition of Flemish printmaking that combined biblical narrative with precise natural history. The central scene depicts the parable of the Good Samaritan, set within a rolling countryside typical of the Low Countries. The figures are small, allowing the surrounding environment to occupy the viewer's attention.

The composition is framed by a decorative border, a common feature in late sixteenth-century print series. This border contains various flora and fauna, including a squirrel, an owl, a lizard, and a fish. Each creature is rendered with careful attention to texture and form, reflecting the period interest in the classification of the natural world. The contrast between the narrative scene and the surrounding biological specimens creates a distinct visual rhythm.

Collaert was a member of a prominent family of engravers in Antwerp. His work often involved collaborations with other artists, such as Hans Bol, whose influence is visible in the treatment of the landscape. The engraving technique employs fine, parallel lines to create shadow and depth, resulting in a clear, legible image. The print demonstrates the technical skill required to balance multiple visual elements within a single frame. It is a representative example of how Northern European artists of the era integrated religious themes with an emerging scientific curiosity about the physical world. The inclusion of specific animals and plants suggests a desire to catalogue the diversity of creation alongside the moral lessons of the New Testament.