Circle of Lucas van Leyden’s engraving, “Betrayal of Christ”, c1521

Unidentified engraver from the circle of Lucas van Leyden (aka Lucas de Leyda Hollandus; Luca Dolanda; Lucas Hugensz; Lucas Jacobsz) (c1494–1533)

“Betrayal of Christ” (aka “La Prise de Jésus Christ”; “The Capture of Christ”; “Gevangenneming van Christus”), c1521, plate 3 in the series of fourteen plates, “The Passion of Christ”, published in Antwerp by Maarten Peeters (Petri) (aka Martinus Petri; Marten Peters; Marteen van Gheele Peeters) (c1500–1566 [or shortly before]). I believe that this impression is from an edition published c1620, based on the “Arms of Wurtemburg” watermark of the paper (see W. A. Churchill 1935, “Watermarks in Paper …”, Amsterdam Menno Hertzberger , p. 78, cat. no. 275, [ill.] p. CCXXXIII [233]).

Note: Jan Harmensz. Muller (1571–1628) made a copy of this engraving (see https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1845-0809-946), but from close comparison I do not believe that this engraving is by Muller.

Engraving on laid paper with partial watermark of the “Arms of Wurtemburg” and wide margins.

Size: (sheet) 19.5 x 12.4 cm; (plate) 11.7 x 7.5 cm.

Lettered in plate: (lower left corner) “[Van Leyden’s monogram] L 1421/ [ligature initials] MPetri ex”.

References to Van Leyden’s print: TIB 12(7).45(363) (Walter L Strauss et al. [eds.] 1981, “The Illustrated Bartsch”, vol. 12, New York, Abaris Books, p. 117, cat. no. 45 [363]); New Hollstein (Dutch & Flemish) 45 (Piet Filedt Kok [comp.] 1996, “The New Hollstein: Dutch and Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts 1450–1700: Lucas van Leyden”, Amsterdam, Rijksprentenkabinet, Rijksmuseum Sound and Vision, p. 72, cat. no. 45); Bartsch 45.

The British Museum offers the following description of Van Leyden’s engraving: “Betrayal of Christ; Christ stands in centre facing right; around him crowd soldiers and armed men; Judas leans toward him to kiss his cheek. 1521 (https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/P_1849-1027-22). See also the description offered by the Rijksmuseum: http://hdl.handle.net/10934/RM0001.COLLECT.33696.

Condition: a very strong and well-printed impression showing no sign of wear to the printing plate. The sheet has surface dustiness, two printer’s creases in the margins (not affecting the image) and the lower right corner has a flattened fold; otherwise, the sheet is in a good condition for its age with no tears, holes, abrasions, significant stains or foxing.

I am selling this superb engraving after one of the major old masters for AU$621 (currently US$415.97/EUR389.80/GBP341.68 at the time of posting this listing) including postage and handling to anywhere in the world, but not (of course) any import duties/taxes imposed by some countries.

If you are interested in purchasing this exceptionally beautiful engraving, please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.