Religion · 17th century
€ 230
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good condition. Strong impression with wide margins. Minor toning and faint foxing at edges, small handling marks consistent with age. Central images remain sharp and clean.
Angel Appears to Zechariah & Zechariah Struck Mute, Pieter Mortier, ca. 1700
Original antique engraving from *Histoire du Vieux et du Nouveau Testament*, published in Amsterdam by Pieter Mortier around 1700. The plate depicts two early episodes from the Gospel of Luke connected to the announcement of John the Baptist’s birth.
The upper scene shows the **Angel Appearing to Zechariah in the Temple** (Luke I, 5–20). While serving as priest, Zechariah stands before the altar of incense when the angel Gabriel appears, surrounded by a cloud of divine light and smoke. Gabriel announces that his wife Elizabeth will bear a son, John, destined to prepare the way for the Messiah. The composition emphasizes the solemnity of the temple setting with its tall columns, altar, and seven-branched candelabrum.
The lower scene illustrates **Zechariah Struck Mute** (Luke I, 21–22). Because he doubted the angel’s words, Zechariah is rendered unable to speak. Emerging from the temple, he gestures in silence to the gathered crowd, who marvel at what has taken place. The engraving captures the moment of astonishment, with expressive faces in the crowd and the priest’s open arms signaling his loss of speech.
These engravings form part of Mortier’s ambitious series of biblical illustrations, designed to bring scripture vividly to life through baroque artistry and didactic clarity. Produced for his Amsterdam edition of the *Histoire du Vieux et du Nouveau Testament*, they combine detailed architectural settings with dramatic figural scenes.
Condition report:
Very good condition. Strong impression with wide margins. Minor toning and faint foxing at edges, small handling marks consistent with age. Central images remain sharp and clean.
Framing tips:
A cream or ivory double-aperture mat will divide the two episodes while presenting them as a unified plate. A walnut or black wooden frame gives the work a sober dignity, while a gilt frame enhances the sacred subject matter and highlights the divine light of the angelic vision.
Technique: Copperplate engraving
Maker: Pieter Mortier, Amsterdam, ca. 1700
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