Life of Christ and the Apostles, Six Gospel Scenes, Mortier Engravings ca.1700

Life of Christ and the Apostles, Six Gospel Scenes, Pieter Mortier Engravings c.1700

This impressive set of three large copper engravings was published in Amsterdam around 1700 by Pieter Mortier. Each sheet contains two carefully paired scenes from the life of Christ and the early Christian narrative, engraved in a monumental, theatrical style characteristic of Mortier’s international productions. Together the six scenes form a visually coherent cycle focused on faith, temptation, belief, and divine power.

These authentic antique engravings, never reproductions, are offered unframed, inviting custom framing that enhances their character and allows them to harmonise beautifully with individual interiors and design palettes.

Plate I, Upper scene

Christ Tempted by Satan

Christ stands calmly in a garden-like setting as Satan attempts to tempt him with earthly power and riches. The contrast between Christ’s composed posture and the gesturing tempter underscores the moral struggle, while the landscape and symbolic objects reinforce themes of restraint and spiritual strength.

Plate I, Lower scene

Christ Walking with His Disciples

Christ walks along a rural path, instructing his followers through word and gesture. The open landscape and forward movement emphasize guidance, teaching, and the spreading of doctrine, presenting Christ as both teacher and leader.

Plate II, Upper scene

Doubting Thomas Convinced

The apostle Thomas kneels before Christ, placing his hand into Christ’s wound as proof of the Resurrection. The surrounding apostles react with astonishment and reflection, making this a powerful scene of doubt transformed into faith.

Plate II, Lower scene

Christ Calms the Storm

Christ stands on the shore or elevated ground, commanding the raging sea as terrified disciples struggle in a small boat. The dramatic sky, turbulent waves, and radiant light around Christ highlight divine authority over nature.

Plate III, Upper scene

Death of Ananias

Ananias collapses before the apostles after being struck down for deceit. The interior architectural setting and concentrated gestures of the witnesses stress moral judgment and divine justice within the early Christian community.

Plate III, Lower scene

Death of Sapphira

Sapphira is shown falling after repeating Ananias’s lie, supported by onlookers in a public space. The scene mirrors the moral lesson of the upper image, reinforcing the consequences of dishonesty and hypocrisy.

Together, these six scenes offer a richly narrative and didactic visual program, combining dramatic action with theological meaning. As a complete set, the engravings are highly appealing to collectors of early religious prints, Baroque narrative imagery, and Dutch Golden Age publishing.

Technique: Copper engraving

Maker: Pieter Mortier, Amsterdam, circa 1700