GRIMMER, Abel
(b. ca. 1570, Antwerpen, d. ca. 1619, Antwerpen)

Month of September or the Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

1611
Oil on panel, 26 x 35 cm
Private collection

This autumnal scene depicts the work of the peasants: the focus is on apple-picking. At the same time, Christ and his disciples are portrayed at bottom right, referring to the parable:

He (Jesus) spoke also of this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? And he answering said unto him, Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dung it: And if it bear fruit, well: and if not, then after that thou shalt cut it down. (Luke 13:6-9, King James Version).