Items Similar to Antique Biblical Engravings – Tribute to Caesar
Reading of the Law, ca.1700
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 11
Antique Biblical Engravings – Tribute to Caesar
Reading of the Law, ca.1700
$274.07
£204.14
€230
CA$377.41
A$410.80
CHF 217.67
MX$4,940.53
NOK 2,767.62
SEK 2,536.22
DKK 1,752.45
About the Item
Antique Biblical Engravings – Tribute to Caesar
Reading of the Law, Pieter Mortier, ca. 1700
This fine double engraving, published by Pieter Mortier in Amsterdam around 1700, illustrates two important episodes from the Gospels, both centered on the tension between divine authority and earthly rule. Mortier’s monumental Bible project sought to combine scripture with grand, detailed engravings, executed in a dramatic Baroque style with architectural depth and expressive human figures.
The upper engraving represents Christ questioned about paying tribute to Caesar (Matthew 22:15–22). In the portico of a grand building, Jesus is confronted by Pharisees and Herodians attempting to trap Him with a question on Roman taxation. The moment captures Christ’s reply: “Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s.” The engraving emphasizes the contrast between the richly robed figures and Christ’s calm, authoritative gesture, reinforcing the theme of higher spiritual authority over worldly politics.
The lower engraving depicts the reading of the Law (Matthew 23:1–3). Surrounded by scribes and Pharisees, elders unroll the Torah scrolls before the assembly. The architectural setting recalls the grandeur of the Temple, with arcades and colonnades framing the gathering. The foreground shows a mother and child, representing the broader community subject to the religious teaching. The scene emphasizes Christ’s message on the burden of outward legalism and the hypocrisy of leaders who fail to live by the spirit of the Law.
Together, the engravings form a powerful pair of visual meditations on the relationship between earthly law, religious tradition, and divine truth. These plates were designed for study and devotion, combining biblical narrative with the gravitas of monumental art.
Condition: Strong, clear impressions on laid paper with wide margins. Minor age toning, light foxing at edges, and faint handling marks consistent with age. Verso blank.
Framing tips: Display the sheet as issued with both engravings preserved. A light cream or ivory mat will emphasize the fine linework, while a dark wooden or black frame will enhance the architectural drama. A gilt inner border may provide a subtle devotional highlight.
Technique: Engraving
Maker: Pieter Mortier (publisher), Amsterdam, ca. 1700
- Dimensions:Height: 17.72 in (45 cm)Width: 11.03 in (28 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Place of Origin:
- Period:1700-1709
- Date of Manufacture:1700
- Condition:Condition: Strong, clear impressions on laid paper with wide margins. Minor age toning, light foxing at edges, and faint handling marks consistent with age. Verso blank.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-12063-371stDibs: LU3054346772452
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,824 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
More From This Seller
View AllAntique Biblical Engravings – The Rich Young Man
Christ Teaching Jews, c.1700
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Biblical Engravings – The Rich Young Man & Christ Teaching at the Feast, 18th c.
This fine antique engraving presents two significant episodes from the New Testament, execut...
Category
Antique Early 1700s Dutch Prints
Materials
Paper
Biblical Engravings – The Unforgiving Servant
Christ Blessing Children, c.1700
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Biblical Engravings – The Unforgiving Servant & Christ Blessing the Children, ca. 1700
This finely executed engraving sheet, published by Pieter Mortier in Amsterdam around ...
Category
Antique Early 1700s Dutch Prints
Materials
Paper
Biblical Engravings – Christ, The Adulterous Woman
The Stoning of Stephen 1700
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Biblical Engravings – Christ and the Adulterous Woman & The Stoning of St. Stephen, 18th c.
Description:
This striking engraving sheet, publi...
Category
Antique Early 1700s Dutch Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique Bible Print of Solomon
s Judgement Made after B. Picart, 1728
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print of Solomon's judgement and wisdom. The titles of the engraving below the image is in Hebrew, English, German, Latin, French and Dutch. This print originates from 'Tafer...
Category
Antique Early 18th Century Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique Religious Engravings – Dance of Salome
John the Baptist Beheaded, 1700
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Biblical Engravings – Dance of Salome & Beheading of John the Baptist, Pieter Mortier, ca. 1700
This dramatic copperplate engraving, published by Pieter Mortier in Amsterdam...
Category
Antique Early 1700s Dutch Prints
Materials
Paper
Antique Religious Engravings – Christ Healing at Bethesda
Feeding 5000, c.1700
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Biblical Engravings – Healing at Bethesda & Feeding of the Five Thousand, ca. 1700
This fine engraving sheet, published in Amsterdam by Pieter Mortier around 1700, illustrat...
Category
Antique Early 1700s Dutch Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
Meeting f the Pope
s Sacred Council - Original Etching - 17th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Interior Meeting is an original etching realized in 17th century by an anonymous Master.
With description in French on the bottom.
Good conditions, except for some cutting and dif...
Category
17th Century Figurative Prints
Materials
Etching
Original Antique Print After Jan Luyken, Amsterdam, Genesis IX, 1724
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful copper-plate engraving after Jan Luyken
Published by Marten Schagen, Amsterdam. 1724
Text on verso
The measurement given is the paper size.
Category
Antique 1720s Dutch Renaissance Prints
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Print after Jan Luyken, Amsterdam, Genesis XXXV, 1724
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful copper-plate engraving after Jan Luyken
Published by Marten Schagen, Amsterdam. 1724
Text on verso
The measurement given is the paper size.
Category
Antique 1720s Dutch Renaissance Prints
Materials
Paper
Original Antique Print After Jan Luyken, Amsterdam. Genesis XVIII. 1724
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful copper-plate engraving after Jan Luyken
Published by Marten Schagen, Amsterdam. 1724
Text on verso
The measurement given is the paper size.
Category
Antique 1720s Dutch Renaissance Prints
Materials
Paper
Les Adieux d
Hector d
Andromaque - Etching by Jean Moyreau - 18th Century
By Jean Moyreau
Located in Roma, IT
Les Adieux d'Hector d'Andromaque is an etching realized by Jean Moyreau in the 18th Century.
Good conditions.
The artwork is depicted through soft strokes in a well balanced condit...
Category
Late 18th Century Old Masters Figurative Prints
Materials
Etching
Original Antique Print After Jan Luyken, Amsterdam, Genesis IX, 1724
Located in St Annes, Lancashire
Wonderful copper-plate engraving after Jan Luyken
Published by Marten Schagen, Amsterdam. 1724
Text on verso
The measurement given is the paper size.
Category
Antique 1720s Dutch Renaissance Prints
Materials
Paper













