The Triumph of Poverty

German or South Netherlandish 17th Century

National Gallery of Art

This is a rectangular relief depicting multiple people and horses in a procession. Three people walk alongside a wagon or cart being pulled toward the right by two emaciated horses, while three more people sit on the cart in various poses, one holding a long whip. A woman in a dress with long, flowing hair sits on the back of the cart. The ground appears rocky, and on the far right and left buildings are visible in the distance atop tall mountains. The relief is made of a dark brown material, with some areas showing a metallic, coppery shine.