Job Learns of His Misfortunes 1549

"Job Learns of His Misfortunes" is an etching by German artist Augustin Hirschvogel, created in 1549. The scene depicts the biblical story of Job, who suffers from a series of misfortunes after making a wager with Satan. The etching features Job, kneeling, his face contorted in anguish as he learns about the destruction of his family and possessions. His wife stands nearby, also distressed, and is surrounded by three men, likely messengers, who break the news to her. The etching is detailed and expressive, capturing the raw emotion and despair of the scene. The inscription below the etching reads in German: “The good I have received from God; therefore I will be thankful even in need. Only in misfortune I am left to come. I have not taken anything with me.”