Joshua and Caleb 1520 - 1525

Albrecht Altdorfer's "Joshua and Caleb" presents a pivotal scene, rendered in woodcut, of the Old Testament story where the figures return from Canaan bearing its abundant fruits. The oversized grapes are not merely produce, but symbols of promise and divine favor. Consider how the motif of the fruitful land appears across cultures, echoing in classical cornucopias and medieval depictions of the Garden of Eden. This representation taps into a primal yearning for abundance. The act of carrying the fruit, almost a burden due to its size, mirrors the labors and rewards inherent in claiming a bountiful inheritance. Think of similar scenes of offering and sacrifice, from ancient harvest festivals to Christian iconography. This cyclical representation emphasizes the emotional weight of hope, doubt, and the anticipation of fulfillment that is so deeply embedded in our collective psyche.