nude female figure sitting on ground with hands behind head, looking toward a baby lying on a cloth on the floor near her knee; nude male figure standing at L, looking outward, holding a bag in PL hand, and clutching a spilling coin purse to his chest; frog on shoulder

The Miser and the Miscarriage, c. 1528-1532

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This allegory with a mother and stillborn child is among Barthel Beham’s more unorthodox images. The miser’s presence is explained by the biblical inscription, which reads: “The wise man says that an untimely birth is better than a miser who does not enjoy his wealth” (Ecclesiastes 6:3). In other words, if your thirst for money keeps you from enjoying life, you’d be better off dead.

Details
Title
The Miser and the Miscarriage
Artist Life
1502–1540
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2015.93.115
Provenance
[Christopher Mendez, London; sold to Andrus]; John E. Andrus III, Wayzata, Minn.; by descent to his daughters, Elizabeth, Katie, and Julie; gave to MIA, 2015. Earlier provenances have been gathered, but further research will increase our knowledge of their histories.
Catalogue Raisonne
Pauli, Hollstein 41 iv; Bartsch 38 (vol. 8, p. 99)
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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nude female figure sitting on ground with hands behind head, looking toward a baby lying on a cloth on the floor near her knee; nude male figure standing at L, looking outward, holding a bag in PL hand, and clutching a spilling coin purse to his chest; frog on shoulder