Israelites at the Paschal Meal – Hand-Colored Bible Engraving, 18th Century
€ 229
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
circa 1725
Mapmaker / artist
J. de Later after Gerard Hoet, c.1725
Technique
Hand-colored engraving
Sheet size
38.8 × 23.5 cm (15.3 × 9.3 in)
Reference
PCT-61835
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Very good impression with strong hand-coloring. Some light toning and faint spotting consistent with age. Wide margins preserved, plate mark clearly visible.
About this sheet
The Israelites Eat the Passover – Antique Hand-Colored Engraving by J. de Later, c.1725
This finely hand-colored engraving depicts the biblical Passover meal, or Pesach, as described in Exodus XII:1–27. A group of Israelites is shown gathered around a table, partaking of the paschal lamb in accordance with God’s command. Each figure holds a staff, ready to depart in haste, emphasizing the urgency of the Exodus. At the center, a burning candle symbolizes divine presence, while in the background an Israelite marks the doorway with lamb’s blood, a direct reference to the sign by which the Angel of Death would pass over their homes.
The scene is rendered with striking detail: men, women, and children sit together, attentive and solemn, while a dog looks toward the table, adding a note of naturalism. Above the door, an angel appears, reinforcing the divine intervention that defined the first Passover night. The use of color highlights the ritual significance of the meal, contrasting dark shadows within the house with the bright divine presence beyond.
This print was engraved by J. de Later after a design by Gerard Hoet (1648–1733), a Dutch painter and designer known for his biblical illustrations. It originates from one of the great illustrated Bibles of the early 18th century, likely the Historie der Kerke en des Bybels or a comparable work published around 1725. These Bibles were richly illustrated with copperplate engravings, hand-colored to bring biblical narratives vividly to life for contemporary audiences.
Framing tips: A dark wood or ebony frame will lend a sober, devotional character, while a gilt frame highlights the richness of the hand-coloring, emphasizing the print as both scripture illustration and work of art.
