St. Catherines Monastery, 1776, Paper, Set of 2

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St. Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai – Plan and Elevation Engravings c.1776 This striking pair of antique engravings offers a … Read more St. Catherine’s Monastery at Mount Sinai – Plan and Elevation Engravings c.1776 This striking pair of antique engravings offers a rare architectural study of the renowned monastery and church complex atop Mount Sinai, traditionally identified as the site where Moses received the Ten Commandments. These Dutch plates, produced around 1776, capture the monastic layout and ecclesiastical elevation in remarkable technical detail, appealing to collectors of biblical history, Christian heritage, and neoclassical architectural rendering. The left engraving shows the full *Grondteekening des Kloosters en der Kerke des Bergs Sinai* – a ground plan of the monastery and church complex on Mount Sinai. The intricate floorplan includes the central basilica structure, surrounding chapels, cloisters, monastic quarters, and defensive walls. Each section is labeled with letters corresponding to a detailed architectural legend (not present on this plate), offering insight into monastic life, religious function, and spatial design of the time. The plan’s precision and perspective suggest European survey influence while remaining deeply respectful of its sacred geography. The right engraving, titled *Afbeelding van een gedeelte der Kerke des Bergs Sinai*, complements the plan by illustrating the elevation of the church façade with its Romanesque arcades, central arched entrance, and Christian cross with floral ornamentation atop. Beneath the façade are detailed views of an interior colonnade and a symbolic floor plan (possibly the dome or altar area), rendered with clean lines and symmetry. The harmonious use of classical architecture serves both devotional and aesthetic purposes, reflecting Enlightenment-era fascination with biblical archaeology. These engravings likely originate from a Dutch travelogue or geographical compendium on the Holy Land or Egypt, designed to document sacred sites for a European audience during the Age of Discovery and Enlightenment. Condition: Fine impressions on laid paper with light age toning and slight edge wear, especially in the corners. Central vertical folds as issued. Overall in very good condition, ideal for framing. Framing tips: Display together in a double-aperture mount within a black or dark cherry wooden frame. A warm off-white or parchment-toned mat will highlight the engravings’ clean architectural lines and soft ink tones. Technique: Engraving Maker: Anonymous, Netherlands, circa 1776 See less