Details
Description
Massacre of the innocents & christ among the doctors, pieter mortier, ca. 1700 original antique engraving from histoire du vieux … Read more Massacre of the innocents & christ among the doctors, pieter mortier, ca. 1700 original antique engraving from histoire du vieux et du nouveau testament, published in amsterdam by pieter mortier around 1700. This double scene plate illustrates two dramatic and contrasting episodes from the early life of christ. The upper scene shows the massacre of the innocents (matthew ii, 16–18). Soldiers, acting on king herod’s command, storm into bethlehem and slaughter young children. The engraving vividly captures the chaos: mothers plead for mercy, soldiers brandish swords, and children are torn from their mothers’ arms. The background shows a cityscape with classical architecture, heightening the scale and violence of the event. This episode foreshadows both suffering and divine deliverance in the gospel narrative. The lower scene depicts christ among the doctors in the temple (luke ii, 41–52). The twelve-year-old jesus is seated in the temple, engaged in debate with learned scholars. Holding a book in his hand, he gestures with calm authority, while the elders respond with surprise and admiration at his wisdom. The engraved setting is richly detailed, with architectural arches and the tablets of the law prominently displayed, symbolizing christ’s divine understanding of scripture. Together, these engravings contrast violent human cruelty with divine wisdom and foreshadow the course of christ’s ministry. Mortier’s engravers combine expressive figures with finely detailed architectural backdrops, making these plates powerful examples of dutch baroque biblical illustration. Condition report: very good condition. Strong impression with wide margins. Light toning and minor foxing in margins, faint handling marks consistent with age. Central images sharp and well-preserved. Framing tips: a cream or ivory double-aperture mat will highlight the two distinct episodes, while a dark walnut or ebonized frame gives the engraving a strong visual presence. A gilt frame can add a devotional character, suitable for the biblical subject. Technique: copperplate engraving maker: pieter mortier, amsterdam, ca. 1700 See less
- Dimensions
- 11.02ʺW × 17.72ʺH
- Art Subjects
- Figure
- Period
- Early 18th Century
- Country of Origin
- Netherlands
- Item Type
- Vintage, Antique or Pre-owned
- Materials
- Paper
- Condition
- Good Condition, Unknown, Some Imperfections
- Color
- Cream
- Condition Notes
- Very Good — This vintage item has no defects, but it may show slight traces of use\. Very good condition. … moreVery Good — This vintage item has no defects, but it may show slight traces of use\. Very good condition. Strong impression with wide margins. Light toning and minor foxing in margins, faint handling marks consistent with age. Central images sharp and well-preserved. less
Returns & Cancellations
Return Policy - All sales are final 48 hours after delivery, unless otherwise specified in the description of the product.
Related Collections
- Tatiana Alida Original Prints
- Ross Bleckner Original Prints
- Greg Copeland Original Prints
- Clay Walker Original Prints
- Carrie Bergey Original Prints
- Balmain Original Prints
- Chaim Gross Original Prints
- Gorman Original Prints
- William Meyerowitz Original Prints
- Raffia Original Prints
- Leonardo Nierman Original Prints
- Crystal Original Prints
- Abraham Rattner Original Prints
- Spray Paint Original Prints
- Teak Original Prints
- Red Grooms Original Prints
- Botanical Prints
- Japanese Woodblock Prints
- Woodblock Prints
- Bird Prints
- Framed Prints
- Screen Prints
- Black and White Prints
- Thomas McKnight Original Prints
- Classical Greek Original Prints