Parabel van het verloren schaap 1485 - 1491

This small, color woodcut titled "Parabel van het verloren schaap", or "Parable of the Lost Sheep," was created by the Master of Antwerp. The composition is neatly divided into two halves. On the left, a shepherd carries a lamb on his shoulders, a scene of labor and care, while on the right, other sheep stand in the background. In the middle, Christ engages with several figures. The composition is a structural device for contrasting worldly labor with spiritual duty. Note the use of color: the muted earth tones against the bright reds and purples that dress the figures. These sartorial colors set the figures apart, signalling their importance. The print exemplifies how the artist uses form to structure meaning, using visual cues to invite reflection on faith, duty, and redemption. The artwork invites an ongoing interpretation of its symbols and their significance.