Parable of the Wheat and the Tares - Abraham Bloemaert, 1624 by Atelier Liesjes

In this parable from the Gospel of Matthew, the devil, identified by his horns and tail, sows weeds (or weeds) in the field where wheat has been planted, while the lazy farmers sleep. Christians considered laziness to be one of the seven deadly sins to which humanity was subjected as a result of the original sin of Adam and Eve, to which the two naked sleepers allude. The dovecote (a birdhouse to attract pigeons or doves that can be trapped for food without going to the trouble of raising them) was associated with the morally lazy who chooses the easy way. The goat, known for its lust, alludes to pleasure-seeking and the peacock to pride. Bloemaert was gifted at rendering natural details, but he never painted pure landscapes and preferred pictures with a lesson. He was one of the leading artists of Utrecht and trained many great artists of the next generation.

In this landscape, four people are sleeping at the front of the artwork. A man and woman both lie naked with legs, hips, stomach, torso and breasts exposed as nude models.

All in all, a sexy and sensual picture with romance.

Abraham Cornelisz. Bloemaert (Gorinchem, Holland 25 December 1564 or 1566 - Utrecht, Netherlands 27 January 1651) was a Dutch painter in Utrecht. He is considered an important exponent of Northern Dutch Mannerism. He used radiant colors, and his figures are generous and elegant.