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The Parable of the Unjust Judge (also known as the Parable of the Importunate Widow or the Parable of the Persistent Widow), is one of the parables of Jesus which appears in only one of the Canonical gospels of the New Testament.
According to the Gospel of Luke 18:1-8, a judge (who is both atheistic and lacking compassion) is repeatedly approached by a poor widow, seeking justice. Initially rejecting her demands, he eventually honours her request so he will not be worn out by her persistence.
In the present painting Pieter de Grebber has selected the moment after the judge has given in to the demands of the woman. The subject is quite rare in Dutch art and probably originated in a Roman Catholic milieu. Haarlem at that time was the centre of Roman Catholic theology, where future priest secretly received their education.
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