Luke 18
The Pharisee and the Publican in Biblical Art
The Pharisee and the publican give artists a compact parable of posture, pride, repentance, and mercy.
Bible and Art Context
Luke 18 contrasts a confident religious performance with a tax collector who will not even lift his eyes. In art, body language carries much of the parable's theology.
Public domain
The Pharisee and the Publican
Unknown illustrator, 19th century, Illustration
The contrast in posture turns Jesus' parable into a study of self-justification and humble mercy.
Source: Wikimedia CommonsQuestions about Pharisee and Publican in Art
Where is the Pharisee and the publican in the Bible?
Jesus tells the parable in Luke 18:9-14.
Why does posture matter in this artwork?
The Pharisee stands in self-confidence while the publican bows in mercy-seeking humility.