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Balaam and the Ass
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While this small miniature, made with watercolor on parchment, depicts a scene from the Old Testament in the left foreground, its primary subject is the expansive rural scene, landscape, and distant hillside city beyond. Hans Bol combined realistic city views, based on his onsite observation, with imaginary scenes and narratives, appealing to his late-16th-century urban Netherlandish audience. The story of the Balaam and the Ass was associated with greed in the period. The miniature was likely paired with other scenes highlighting contemporary moral issues to be displayed together in a domestic setting.
| Artist / Maker | Hans Bol |
|---|---|
| Date | 1583 |
| Culture / Origin | Netherlands, 16th century |
| Medium | Gouache heightened with gold on vellum laid down on panel |
| Dimensions | Sheet: 13.7 x 19.6 cm (5 3/8 x 7 11/16 in.) |
| Department | Drawings |
| Type | Drawing |
About the Artist
Hans Bol (Flemish, 1534–1593) Full biography →
Provenance & Source
Image & data: Cleveland Museum of Art, CC0 / Public Domain.
Condition
A detailed condition report and high-resolution photography are available from our specialists in advance of the sale.
Shipping & Collection
Fine-art shipping with climate control and full insurance to over 120 countries; collection by appointment.
Buying at Matchless Pieces
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