Description
“Moses and Aaron Leaving the Wounded Man” and “The Man Finding Salvation in the Church of Christ” – 2 engravings (set). First and Only State. 1565. Plates #2 and #4 from the 4-plate series “Christ as the Good Samaritan“; note that the engravings have folio numbers at the top right of the plate, 107 and 109, in contemporaneous ink, from an unknown compilation. Reference: New Hollstein 63 and 65 (Muller); see Plate 1 at the British Museum, ref # 1875,0710.424. Both engravings: conceptual artist, Maarten van Heemskerck (signature). Engraver, Harman Jansz. Muller (signature and monogram MLF on column). Publisher, Gerard de Jode (possibly). Both engravings measure 9.6″ x 8″ with wide margins 14″ X 11″. Both are cut to the plate and glued onto medium-weight laid paper which is, on the margins, a bit wrinkled and lightly soiled, but unaffecting the engravings. Both plates are clear and sharp impressions, though Pl 2 has a small brown spot near lower edge; both stunning in detail. Plate 2 with a watermark of urn and grapes and half-moon on top. Plate 2 in this set represents the “Law of Moses” that does not recognize Israel’s Messiah (Christ) in the ditch. Plate 4 represents the “Gospel of Christ” focusing on St Peter (Church) as mediator between Christ and a repentant sinner, the book (Bible) also taking center stage along with Christ. Note that Christ retains his wounds, which is very rare in engravings. Each engraving is visually stunning, and together made for a very fine pairing, especially since they are each quite rare.
[Plate 1] Moses and Aaron Unrecognizing Christ. [Plate 2] Finding Salvation in the Church of Christ.Engravings set in a museum-quality Bifold Portfolio (landscape) of linen cloth and silk moire, within archival sleeves; COA on premium “gold leaf” paper with gold seal and signature, set in a medium Bifold Portfolio.
