This is a drawing of a rustic scene with two figures engaged in labor. The image depicts a rugged outdoor setting where one figure is plowing the earth using a rudimentary tool. Beside the plowing figure, another figure with a skeletal appearance is depicted. A third figure sits in the background, appearing to hold an infant. The heavy use of lines and stark contrast creates a dramatic effect. The text above the scene reads "Adam bawgt die erden." The detailed engraving style emphasizes the textures of the ground and surrounding elements.
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This is a drawing of a rustic scene with two figures engaged in labor. The image depicts a rugged outdoor setting where one figure is plowing the earth using a rudimentary tool. Beside the plowing figure, another figure with a skeletal appearance is depicted. A third figure sits in the background, appearing to hold an infant. The heavy use of lines and stark contrast creates a dramatic effect. The text above the scene reads "Adam bawgt die erden." The detailed engraving style emphasizes the textures of the ground and surrounding elements.

National Gallery of Art · Print

Adam bawgt die erden (Adam Ploughing)

Hans Lützelburger after Hans Holbein the Younger

Date
c. 1526
Medium
woodcut
Classification
Print
Accession number
1943.3.4849
Credit line
Rosenwald Collection
Time span
1501 to 1550
Department
CG-E

Portfolio and series

Series
Dance of Death

Subjects and terms

  • German
  • Mother and Child
  • Death
  • Tree
  • Nature
  • Man

NGA object ID 7771. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.