Figures from a Satire Against the Clergy, After Hans Weiditz

The figures in this drawing have been copied by Rubens from the left hand section of an anti-clerical woodcut print by Hans Weiditz (1495-1537), which satirised clergy and nuns by showing them worshipping a satanic animal (this is not shown in Ruben's drawing).

During his teenage apprenticeship, when this drawing was probably made, Rubens often copied German prints as part of his training. Although Rubens' copy is fairly faithful to the figures in the print he also makes subtle changes to enliven the narrative. For example, he removed the rosary beads clutched by the open-mouthed cleric, changing him from a passively praying figure to one who is actively beseeching his neighbour. Rubens thus gained a deeper understanding of gesture and expression through this copy, which might stimulate ideas for use in future works.