Hieronymus WIERIX: Bearing the Body of Christ - 1586

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Engraving, 181 x 190 mm. New Hollstein 382, 1st state (of 2).

Impression of the 1st state (of 2), before the publisher’s address was changed. Fine impression printed on watermarked laid paper (Coat of arms surmounted by a crown and a flower?). One small brown spot in the subject and two tiny scratches, otherwise in very good condition. Thread margins on all sides.

Joseph of Arimathea, the Virgin, Nicodemus, John the Evangelist and Mary Magdalene stand around the dead body of Christ.

Hieronymus Wierix’s print largely contributed to popularising the composition of a painting that is now lost but is generally attributed to Flemish painter Hugo van der Goes (ca. 1440-1482). The painting was extremely popular and numerous copies were made in the 15th and 16th centuries. Wierix’s print was itself copied in paintings or engravings, for example by Joan Berwinckel.