St. Paul to Galatians – Rejecting Mosaic Law, Antique Engraving c.1735
€ 210
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1735
Sheet size
38.5 × 22.7 cm (15.2 × 8.9 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-12071-5
Condition
Good condition with light age toning and minor foxing, mainly in the margins. Small edge wear and a tiny loss at the lower margin, not affecting the plate image. The plate impression is strong, and engraved details remain clear and well defined.
About this sheet
St. Paul to Galatians Engraving – Paul Rejects Mosaic Law c.1735 This striking antique engraving titled “The Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians” illustrates Paul’s theological exhortation rejecting adherence to Mosaic Law for salvation. Created circa 1735 for a large illustrated family Bible, the scene depicts the Apostle Paul seated in a tiled interior, gazing upwards with an expression of divine inspiration. He gestures emphatically, quill in hand, as he writes his epistle on a scroll laid across a writing table. Beside him lie the Tablets of the Law topped by a hat, symbolising the Mosaic covenant, and an open book representing the Gospel.
Above Paul, radiant divine light pours down from heaven, illuminating a powerful celestial vision. Christ is enthroned among angels and cherubs, holding the victory banner and cross, a symbol of salvation by grace through faith rather than the works of the Law. Angels surround the throne in worship, while cherubs look down, emphasising the divine endorsement of Paul’s teachings.
This engraving is executed using the copperplate technique, valued for its precise line work and nuanced shading, which bring depth and clarity to complex theological compositions. While unsigned, the print is stylistically aligned with works after Gerard Hoet or Bernard Picart, widely used in English folio Bibles of the early 18th century. Such prints were integral teaching tools, presenting doctrinal messages visually for household devotion and theological study.
Collectors value these engravings for their religious, artistic, and historical significance, offering insights into Protestant visual theology and the devotional life of 18th-century Christian families.
Condition summary: Good condition with light age toning and minor foxing, mainly in the margins. Small edge wear and a tiny loss at the lower margin, not affecting the plate image. The plate impression is strong, and engraved details remain clear and well defined.
Framing tips: Frame this engraving with a dark walnut or black moulding with gold edging for a classic ecclesiastical presentation. Use a cream or light beige mount board to harmonise with the aged paper tone. UV-protective non-reflective glass is recommended to preserve the engraving’s fine lines and prevent further paper ageing. This print will display beautifully in a study, library, or religious-themed gallery wall alongside other biblical or theological engravings, enriching the space with historical depth and spiritual narrative.
