St. Joseph with the Christ Child, Antique Mezzotint – J.E.Haid Augsburg, ca.1799
€ 210
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1799
Sheet size
28 × 19 cm (11.0 × 7.5 in)
Condition
Fair
Reference
BG-13282-17
Condition
Additions or alterations made to the original: Mounted to secondary old paper. Fair. The print is mounted onto a secondary sheet of paper. Noticeable overall age toning, scattered spotting, handling creases, and edge wear. The image area remains legible with retained tonal contrast, but shows si
About this sheet
St. Joseph with the Christ Child, Antique Mezzotint – Johann Elias Haid, Augsburg
This devotional print depicts Saint Joseph tenderly holding the Christ Child, seated on a draped surface and reaching toward his guardian. Both figures are shown with halos, emphasizing their sacred status, while Joseph carries a flowering staff, the traditional symbol of his divine selection and purity. The intimate interaction between the figures gives the composition a quiet emotional depth characteristic of late Baroque religious imagery.
The image is rendered in rich tonal gradations using the mezzotint technique, with strong contrasts between light and shadow that create a painterly softness. The Christ Child’s luminous body forms the visual focus, while Saint Joseph is portrayed as an aged and gentle protector, his expression marked by humility and care. The restrained background heightens the devotional atmosphere.
The print was made by Johann Elias Haid, an important 18th-century German mezzotint engraver active in Augsburg. Haid was renowned for his mastery of Schabkunst, producing portraits and religious subjects noted for their subtle tonal transitions and depth. His works were widely collected and used for private devotion.
Mezzotints such as this were prized for their ability to translate the softness of oil painting into print form, making them especially suitable for religious subjects. This example reflects both the technical skill of the engraver and the devotional function of the image.
Condition report: Fair. The print is mounted onto a secondary sheet of paper. Noticeable overall age toning, scattered spotting, handling creases, and edge wear. The image area remains legible with retained tonal contrast, but shows signs of age and use.
Framing suggestions: Best presented in a dark wood or black frame with a wide neutral mat. Floating or window mounting can help visually separate the original sheet from the later backing.
Technique: Mezzotint (Schabkunst) Maker: Johann Elias Haid, Augsburg, late 18th century
