The works of mercy. Drawing by C. Groeneveld, 1808.

In the foreground, three figures representing the three virtues: Faith shows a book inscribed "Euangeli" (Gospels) to a child, and has a sun-disc round her neck; Love (Charity) cares for three children; and Hope holds a cross and an anchor. To left, a woman in armour (Fortitude?), holding in her right hand a shield with a dove (the Holy Ghost) on the front and in her left hand a lamb (?) sleeping on a tasselled cushion (?). To right, a woman giving alms to another woman

In the background, a polygonal pavilion with Corinthian columns and an entablature, decorated with paintings showing biblical scenes which exemplify the works of mercy. Top left and right, two roundels showing a feasting scene (feeding the hungry) and the good Samaritan (attending the sick) respectively. Bottom left and right, two paintings showing Christ and the woman of Samaria at the well (giving drink to the thirsty) and the deliverance of Saint Peter from prison (visiting prisoners). On the left wall of the pavilion is a painting of Christ with the apostles at Emmaus (giving hospitality to strangers), and on the right wall is a painting of a man praying at the feet of a corpse (burying the dead). In the centre is a painting of a scene which perhaps shows the effects of performing the works of mercy: it shows people being led towards a temple inscribed "Zion"

1808.

1 drawing : ink wash ; oval 25.2 x 32.5 cm

De werken der barmhartigheid. Groeneveld delin 1808

Wellcome Collection 46991i