Labour and diligence enjoying their simple meal 1572

Philips Galle made this engraving, Labour and Diligence Enjoying Their Simple Meal, in the Netherlands, sometime around 1600. The image depicts an allegorical feast of labor, diligence, sobriety and moderation. Here, the artist uses classical imagery to comment on the value of a simple life. Galle was the head of a printmaking workshop, and he was deeply involved in the artistic institutions of his time. His prints reflect the cultural values of the Northern Renaissance, praising hard work and temperance. This print encapsulates those values, drawing on a rich history of classical and biblical imagery to convey a moral message. To understand this artwork, it's helpful to delve into the culture of the time, to research the history of printmaking, the lives of artists, and the role of workshops in artistic production. By exploring these resources, we can gain a deeper appreciation for this seemingly simple image and its place in history.