Der Welt Lauf (Sleeping Justice)

1525

Barthel Beham

Associated Names
Barthel Beham

Artist, German, 1502 - 1540

This is a painting depicting a surreal scene. It shows a sleeping figure with animals and a castle in the background. The artwork features a semi-nude figure reclining with a sleeping child, surrounded by animals including a fox carrying a sword and a lamb. In the background, there is a detailed depiction of a castle with turrets and walls, set against a wooded landscape. The words "DER WELT LAVF" are inscribed above the scene in the sky. The style resembles that of Albrecht Dürer, known for detailed engravings. The use of line work and shading creates a textured effect, enhancing the mystical atmosphere of the composition.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to plate): 4.1 × 6.5 cm (1 5/8 × 2 9/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1943.3.876

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Pauli 'Barthel', no. 42, State ii/ii

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

D'Arenberg Collection, Brussels and Westphalila (Lugt 567); purchased by Lessing J. Rosenwald [1891-1979], 1928; gift to NGA, 1943.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1911

  • Pauli, Gustav. Barthel Beham: ein kritisches Verzeichnis seiner Kupferstiche. Studien zur deutschen Kunstgeschichte, 135. Strasbourg: J.H. Ed. Heitz, 1911: no. 42, state ii/ii.

1996

  • The New Hollstein German Engravings, Etchings and Woodcuts, 1400-1700. (Barthel Beham, compiled by Anne Röver-Kann). Ouderkerk aan den Ijssel: Sound & Vision Publishers, 2021: no. 43, state ii/ii.

Wikidata ID

Q64954100

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