Patience 1540

drawing, print, paper, engraving

pencil drawn

drawing

light pencil work

germany

print

pencil sketch

charcoal drawing

paper

charcoal art

portrait reference

pencil drawing

pen-ink sketch

limited contrast and shading

portrait drawing

engraving

"Patience" is a 1540 engraving by Sebald Beham. The piece, now housed at the Art Institute of Chicago, depicts the virtue of Patience as a winged female figure calmly holding a lamb while a demonic beast snarls at her. The contrasting figures represent the power of forbearance in the face of evil. This intricate work, a testament to Beham's skill, is a prime example of Northern Renaissance printmaking, characterized by fine detail and a focus on moral themes.