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Theodor de Bry

The Seven Works of Charity

1588
Engraving in black on ivory laid paper
12.1 × 12.1 cm (4.8 × 4.8 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

Theodor de Bry and his family produced numerous intricate ornamental designs. Many appeared in roundel formats, which required the viewer to turn the print around to read the entire image and its text. Here de Bry surrounded the central figure of Charity with the seven corporal works of mercy: feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, clothing the naked, sheltering the homeless, ministering to the sick, visiting the imprisoned, and burying the dead.

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