Christ Healing the Sick and Preaching the Sermon on the Mount, P. Mortier, 1700

Christ Healing the Sick and Preaching the Sermon on the Mount, Pieter Mortier, ca. 1700

This fine engraving, published by Pieter Mortier in Amsterdam around 1700, presents two striking biblical scenes from the Gospels. The plate is part of Mortier’s ambitious illustrated Bible series, which brought together some of the finest engravers of the Dutch Golden Age to interpret the New Testament in grand style.

The upper scene illustrates Matthew IV, verses 23 to 24: “Jesus went about all Galilee… healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.” The composition is set before a grand architectural background. Christ, marked by a radiant halo, stands at the center, extending his hand in blessing as the sick and afflicted gather around him. Some are carried by others, while many kneel or sit on the ground, their bodies depicted with naturalistic detail to emphasize their suffering. The dynamic grouping of figures and expressive gestures underline the miraculous power of healing attributed to Christ.

The lower scene depicts Matthew V-VII: the Sermon on the Mount, Christ’s foundational teaching discourse. Here, Jesus is seated beneath a tree, raising his hand in the traditional gesture of instruction. A large crowd surrounds him, with disciples, men, women, and children listening intently. In the distance, smaller groups continue to gather along the hillside, giving depth to the scene. The engraver captures both the intimacy of Christ’s dialogue and the magnitude of the event, presenting it as a pivotal moment in Christian teaching.

Together, the two engravings highlight Christ’s dual role as healer and teacher, emphasizing both his compassion and his authority. Mortier’s edition of the Bible was renowned for such powerful imagery, which combined theological weight with the drama of Baroque composition.

Condition report: Good impression with strong contrasts and visible plate marks. General age-related toning, minor foxing, and light handling marks in the margins. Verso blank.

Framing tips: This plate would be well-suited to a tall vertical frame with a light ivory or cream mount to balance the detailed engravings. A dark wood or ebonized frame will emphasize the deep shading of the prints, while a gilded finish will enhance their Baroque grandeur.

Technique: Engraving

Maker: Pieter Mortier, Amsterdam, ca. 1700