St. Nicholas and the Three Daughters of the Poor Gentleman 1500 - 1600

This drawing by Jan Swart van Groningen, dating from the early 16th century, depicts the well-known story of St. Nicholas's generosity. The scene shows the saint, identified by his mitre, standing in a doorway, as he witnesses a poor man's three daughters on the verge of selling themselves into prostitution to avoid poverty. One daughter sits in the foreground sewing, another lies in bed, and the third sits with an infant. The drawing highlights the narrative and moral weight of this religious tale, emphasizing the sanctity of St. Nicholas and his act of charity.