The Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Piece of Silver - Hans Collaert the Elder

A detailed hand-coloured engraving by Hans Collaert the Elder, illustrating the biblical parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin.

This hand-coloured engraving by the Flemish artist Hans Collaert the Elder depicts two biblical parables simultaneously. The composition is divided into distinct narrative zones, a common technique in sixteenth-century printmaking to convey complex theological messages within a single frame. On the right, a shepherd carries a sheep across his shoulders, referencing the Parable of the Lost Sheep. To the left, a woman searches for a lost coin, holding a lantern to illuminate the ground, which illustrates the Parable of the Lost Piece of Silver.

The figures are rendered with the characteristic precision of the Northern Renaissance, featuring clear outlines and a structured approach to anatomy. The palette is applied with care, using muted tones that distinguish the foreground figures from the architectural background. The inclusion of Latin and French text at the base of the print provides a direct explanation of the moral lesson, reflecting the pedagogical function of such works during the period.

Collaert was a member of a prominent family of engravers in Antwerp, a city that functioned as a major centre for the production and distribution of prints in Europe. His work often focused on religious and mythological themes, executed with a high degree of technical control. The engraving demonstrates the influence of contemporary Mannerist styles, particularly in the elongated proportions of the figures and the dynamic, slightly theatrical gestures. The architectural elements, such as the classical columns in the distance, provide a sense of depth and place the scene within a recognisable, albeit stylised, environment. This print is a fine example of the intersection between religious instruction and the burgeoning market for collectible graphic art in the Low Countries.