Print Description
This print shows a view on a portrait of St Paul one of the most important figures of early Christianity. The print contains several symbolic elements and a Latin inscription that summarize his life’s work.The engraving depicts Paul with his traditional attributes: The Sword: In his left hand he holds a sword. This refers to his martyrdom (he was beheaded in Rome, according to tradition) and to the “Sword of the Spirit”, a metaphor for the word of God that he himself used in his letters. The Book: He is also holding a book (or scroll) that symbolizes the many letters (epistles) he wrote that make up much of the New Testament. Background: On the left in the background is a landscape with buildings, which may refer to his many travels through the Roman Empire to spread the faith.Latin text from 2 Timoteüs 4:7-8:, which is often quoted as Paul’s “spiritual testament,” in which he looks back on his life shortly before his death. Flowers in corners.
Made by Hieronymus Wierix after Maerten de Vos.
Medium: Engraving on hand laid (vergé) paper.
Sheet size: 16.7 x 24.5 cm (6.57 x 9.65 inch). Image size: 12.7 x 18.8 cm. (5 x 7.4 inch).
Condition: good, given age. Remains of paper tape on reverse. Creases. Stains. Tear restoration in lower margin. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
PORTRAIT-SAINT PAUL-RELIGION-FLOWERS-BIBLE | RBOS-A11-11
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
This attractive print was published by Peter Firens (1604-1671) French publisher/printer; printmaker. Ca 1650.
Biography engraver: Hieronymus Wierix (1553-1619), one of the three brothers, all engravers. Active in Antwerp.
Biography artist: Maarten de Vos (1532-1603), Antwerp-born painter and designer, prolific draftsman for religious series, whose work influenced a generation of Northern printmakers.
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