Bilder Bernard de Montfaucon (1655–1741) – Gnostic Gems of Abraxas – Engraving (1719–1724)

Beskrivning

This engraving depicts a collection of ten ancient Gnostic gems and amulets featuring the deity Abraxas and other mystical figures. The central focus is the iconic representation of Abraxas, characterized by a rooster head, a human torso clad in armor, and legs formed of serpents, holding a shield and a whip. Other oval gems show various celestial and mythological motifs, including a solar deity in a four-horse chariot, standing figures with radiant crowns, and complex inscriptions in Greek and magical characters. These artifacts are presented as scientific records of esoteric religious practices from late antiquity, emphasizing the symbolic iconography used by Gnostic sects. This illustration was published as a technical plate for L'antiquité expliquée et représentée en figures, a monumental work aimed at documenting the material culture and customs of the ancient world through visual evidence.

Bernard de Montfaucon was a French Benedictine monk and a pioneering scholar who is widely considered one of the founders of modern archaeology and paleography. His most famous contribution, the multi-volume L'antiquité expliquée, was an exhaustive effort to categorize ancient civilizations using thousands of engraved plates, effectively creating the first pictorial encyclopedia of the classical world. Montfaucon’s work was revolutionary in its use of visual documentation as a primary historical source, influencing generations of historians and art collectors. His dedication to systematic research and the preservation of historical artifacts through illustration helped bridge the gap between early antiquarianism and scientific archaeological study.

Artist or Maker: Bernard de Montfaucon .

Dimensions: Approximately 42 cm x 25 cm.

Medium: Engraving .

Date: 1719–1724

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.