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Michel Wolgemut

The Virtues of Christ and the Wickedness of His Enemies Symbolized by Diverse Birds and Beasts (verso); The Last Supper (recto), pages 66 and 65 from the Treasury (Schatzbehalter)

1491
Woodcut on ivory laid paper
25.3 × 17.7 cm (10 × 7 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This curious allegory of Christ shows him in a wood surrounded by a wide variety of creatures embodying his virtues and the vices of his enemies. At his feet appear his foes—as a lion, bear, dog, fox, wolf and unicorn—while his intrinsic goodness causes an elephant, lamb, dove, pelican, eagle and owl, among other birds to emerge from behind his halo.

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