Hieronymus Wierix

Hieronymus Wierix and his brothers Johannes and Anthonius were probably trained as goldsmiths before they began to engrave for Antwerp print publishers as well as the famed book publisher Christopher Plantin. While drawing upon the model of previous Antwerp engravers, Hieronymus and Johannes developed a particularly fine and delicate manner suited to portraiture and small illustrative works.

This is one print from a set of seven depicting the Capital, or Deadly Sins. Such allegories were popular subjects for prints, plays, and tableaux in Antwerp. The close, portrait format and squat features challenge the serious content of the subject, even suggesting that some may have found humor in the works.