Religion · 17th century
€ 230
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good, with general age-related toning. Some minor spotting and handling marks to margins. Strong impression with plate mark visible.
Christ Healing the Possessed and the Paralytic, Pieter Mortier, ca. 1700
This fine biblical engraving originates from Pieter Mortier’s illustrated Bible, published in Amsterdam around 1700. The sheet presents two detailed scenes from the New Testament, executed in the refined style of late 17th-century Dutch engraving, combining narrative clarity with dramatic composition.
The upper scene is based on Matthew 8:28–32 and is titled “Jesus Christus verlost twee Bezetenen” (“Jesus Christ delivers two possessed men”). It shows Christ encountering two men afflicted by possession, depicted with wild expressions and frantic gestures. Christ, haloed and calm, extends his hand toward them, signifying divine authority and the act of deliverance. Behind Him stand the disciples, witnessing the miracle with solemn intensity. In the background, a boat with figures on the water suggests the setting near the region of the Gadarenes. This interpretation belongs to the well-known biblical episode where Christ expels demons from two men, emphasizing both His compassion and divine power.
The lower scene, taken from Mark 2:3–4, is inscribed “De geraakte te Kapernaum geneezen” (“The paralytic healed at Capernaum”). Here, Christ heals a paralyzed man who has been lowered through the roof by ropes, an event vividly captured with the figure still resting on his pallet. The ropes are visible above, while the crowd presses closely around, eager to witness the miracle. Christ leans forward, His hand extended in blessing, affirming His power to heal both physically and spiritually. The composition captures the drama of the moment, with strong contrasts of light and shadow adding depth and atmosphere.
This engraving reflects Pieter Mortier’s ambition to provide a grand, illustrated Bible for a Dutch and European audience, inspired by French models but distinctly executed in the Dutch tradition of precision and detail. Such works were often prized not only for their devotional content but also for their artistry, making them significant objects for collectors of religious prints.
Condition: Very good, with general age-related toning. Some minor spotting and handling marks to margins. Strong impression with plate mark visible.
Framing tips: A dark wood or walnut frame with a soft ivory or cream mount would highlight the strong contrasts of the engravings while keeping focus on the biblical drama. For a more monumental presentation, consider a gilt frame with double matting, using a thin inner line in deep gray to echo the fine linear work of the engravings.
Technique: Engraving
Maker: Pieter Mortier, Amsterdam, ca. 1700
