David Dances Before the Ark and Hanun Shames David's Envoys, Mortier, circa 1700

This original copperplate engraving from Pieter Mortier's illustrated Bible, Amsterdam circa 1700, shows two biblical scenes on one sheet: 2 Samuel 6:12, David dances before the Ark of the Lord, and 2 Samuel 10:4, David's envoys mistreated by Hanun. The upper scene illustrates 2 Samuel chapter 6, where David brings the Ark of the Covenant up to Jerusalem with rejoicing and dances before the Lord with all his might. David dances with a harp at the head of the procession while priests carry the Ark and the people follow with musicians and singers.

The lower scene shows 2 Samuel chapter 10, verse 4, where Hanun king of the Ammonites insults David's envoys by shaving off half their beards and cutting their garments short. Hanun and his court watch from a throne as the envoys are seized and shaved. Each scene carries its own engraved caption with the scripture reference in Dutch and French, and the sheet is numbered 88 in the lower margin.

Mortier's illustrated Bible stands among the landmarks of Dutch Baroque book illustration. The Amsterdam publisher brought together a team of designers and engravers, with contributing artists including Gerard Hoet, Arnold Houbraken and Bernard Picart, to produce a continuous pictorial narrative of scripture, each copper plate carrying two scenes framed like paintings hung on a wall. This sheet is signed in the lower margin by Ottmar Elliger as designer, with the engraving signed by Andreas Reinhard. The sheet is printed on laid paper with full margins, and the reverse is blank.

For display, the tall double composition works well in a hallway or beside a bookcase, and a pair or group of Mortier sheets makes a coherent wall of Baroque religious art. Collectors of engravings illustrating the story of Saul and David will find it a well documented and attractive example.

The sheet is in good condition for its age, with light toning, a small spot in the lower margin and minor corner wear; the image itself is clean and strong.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and inspiration only, unless the listing explicitly states that the item is sold framed.