Skip to main content

Patience (Patientia)

1557
Pieter van der Heyden (Flemish, c. 1530–after 1572) After a drawing by Pieter Bruegel the Elder (Netherlandish (active Antwerp and Brussels), c. 1525–1569) Published by Hieronymus Cock (Netherlandish, c. 1510–1570)
In a surreal landscape replete with hellish creatures, a female personification of Patience chained to a block prays in the foreground. The Christian message of perseverance in the face of tribulation is apparent, yet several motifs depict Catholic clergy in a negative light, reflecting the widespread religious turmoil in the Netherlands in the wake of the Reformation. In the hollow tree at the right, near the top of the trunk, the monk consorting with a prostitute is just one of many sinful vignettes contained within the blasted tree, itself a contradiction of the usual Christian associations of a leafy tree with the renewal of life.

Object Details

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.