The Parable of the Beam and the Mote 1517 - 1533

This pen and brown ink drawing, titled "The Parable of the Beam and the Mote," was created around the mid-16th century by an anonymous Netherlandish artist. It visualizes a potent biblical lesson about hypocrisy and judgment. The parable encourages self-reflection over criticizing others. Think about the historical context: the Netherlands in the 1500s was a society steeped in religious fervor and moral debates amidst the Reformation. This drawing invites viewers to examine their own flaws before pointing out the shortcomings of others. The artist uses the image of a dog in the foreground, perhaps to suggest the idea of faithfulness to the divine. Consider the emotional weight of this work. It serves as a mirror, urging each of us to confront our own imperfections and strive for genuine humility.