Illustrations to Proverbs 10: 4-7 1534

Daniel Hopfer's "Illustrations to Proverbs 10:4-7" (1534) is a series of four woodcuts that depicts the moral teachings of the biblical Book of Proverbs. The work exemplifies the popular art form of the German Renaissance, showcasing a dynamic and expressive style. Hopfer's use of bold lines and intricate details creates a strong visual narrative, emphasizing the contrast between hard work and laziness, piety and godlessness. Each scene represents a different proverb, with the figures acting out the meaning of the text. The starkness of the black and white printing and the directness of the imagery bring a sense of immediacy to these moral lessons.