Bilder Marten de Vos (1532–1603) – Mary Anointing the Feet of Jesus – Engraving (1585)

Beskrivning

"Maria accepit libram unguenti nardi pistici, pretiosi, et unxit pedes Iesu". This late sixteenth-century engraving depicts the biblical narrative from the Gospel of John where Mary of Bethany anoints the feet of Jesus during a supper. The scene is set within a richly detailed domestic interior, featuring Jesus seated at a table surrounded by his disciples, including a disapproving Judas Iscariot. Mary is shown kneeling in the foreground, using her hair to wipe the expensive spikenard ointment from Christ's feet. The composition is a masterful example of Antwerp Mannerism, characterized by its complex figural groupings, dramatic lighting, and the inclusion of contemporary decorative objects such as the ornate ewer and basin in the lower right. This plate was published in Antwerp as part of the series Thesaurus veteris et novi Testamenti.

Marten de Vos was one of the most prolific and influential Antwerp painters and draughtsmen in the generation after Pieter Bruegel the Elder. Following a period of study in Italy, he returned to the Netherlands and became a leading figure in the Counter-Reformation art movement, producing numerous altarpieces and designs for prints. His work is characterized by a graceful, Italianate style combined with a Northern attention to narrative clarity. De Vos provided hundreds of drawings for the great publishing houses of Antwerp, particularly for the Galle and Collaert families, which were distributed throughout Europe and significantly shaped religious iconography.

Artist or Maker: Cornelis Galle I (Engraver); Marten de Vos (Artist).

Dimensions: Approximately 28 cm x 34 cm.

Medium: Engraving.

Date: 1585.

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.