Here Christ narrates the Parable of the Sower to his disciples. The seed that was scattered on the path, on rocky ground, and among thorns did not grow but the seed that fell on good earth grew, yielding a strong crop.

Although the reference to the parable invests the landscape with religious meaning, sowing is also associated with April in images of agricultural work illustrating the months. This roundel may therefore have been part of a series combining parables from the Gospels with the seasons or the months of the year.

Provenance: bequeathed by the Founders, 1885

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham
Material: Oil on panel
Artist: Abel Grimmer (c.1570-c. 1619)
Date: Unknown

Image Details
Date: 7 Feb 2025
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/25s
ISO: 500
Licensing: Image of a Bowes Museum asset. This image cannot be licensed.