Pieter Mortier, Balak and Balaam at the Altars and the Zeal of Phinehas, 1700, Engraving

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This original copper engraving from Pieter Mortier's illustrated Bible, published in Amsterdam circa 1700, shows two Old Testament scenes on … Read more This original copper engraving from Pieter Mortier's illustrated Bible, published in Amsterdam circa 1700, shows two Old Testament scenes on one sheet. The subjects are Numbers 23, Balak brings Balaam to curse Israel, and Numbers 25, Phinehas kills Zimri and Cozbi. It is plate 59 of the series, a fine example of Dutch Baroque biblical engraving with the upper and lower compositions each set in its own engraved frame. The upper scene illustrates Numbers chapter 23, verse 1, in which Balak, king of Moab, builds seven altars and offers sacrifices so that the prophet Balaam will curse the Israelites camped below, although Balaam can speak only the blessing the Lord gives him. The lower scene takes Numbers chapter 25, verses 1 to 8, in which Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, seizes a javelin and runs through the Israelite Zimri and the Midianite woman Cozbi, staying the plague that has broken out among the people. This copper engraving comes from the illustrated Bible published in Amsterdam by Pieter Mortier around 1700, a landmark of Dutch Baroque book illustration that set more than four hundred biblical scenes before the reader. Each sheet pairs two episodes, framed like pictures on a wall and headed by engraved cartouches with the chapter and verse and captions in Dutch and French. No designer or engraver signature is present on this sheet; it carries the imprint P. Mortier edit. cum Privil. The project brought together many of the most accomplished artists in the Netherlands, among them Gerard Hoet, Arnold Houbraken and Bernard Picart, and its theatrical compositions and rich tonal engraving show Dutch Baroque printmaking at its most confident. Printed on laid paper with full margins and a blank verso, the engraving is uncoloured, as issued. Framed in a simple dark or gilt moulding with a generous mount, a Mortier Bible sheet makes a handsome feature in a study, reading room or place of worship, and collectors often build themed groups around a single book of the Bible or a favourite figure. The sheet is in good condition for its age, with light toning, faint spotting and minor wear at the lower right corner, all confined to the margins; the image is clean. This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and inspiration only, unless the listing explicitly states that the item is sold framed. See less