85 - Maarten de Vos - Christ as Salvator Mundi, first state - c.1588

Maarten de Vos - Christ as Salvator Mundi, first state - c.1588 Description: This finely executed late sixteenth-century engraving depicts Christ as Salvator Mundi (Saviour of the World). Christ is shown half-length, his head is surrounded by a radiant halo that is framed by clouds and populated with numerous cherubim. With his right hand he makes a gesture of blessing, while in his left he supports a large celestial globe. The globe is represented with the sun, moon and heavenly bodies and is surmounted by an elaborate cross, emphasizing Christ’s dominion over the created universe. Beneath the image is a Latin inscription: ILLE EGO MESSIS GNARVS HOMO, QVI CVNCTA CREAVI / OBSERVANDA DEDI CVNCTA CREATA NECI. The inscription reinforces the theological meaning of the image, presenting Christ as both Creator and sovereign of the cosmos, to whom the entirety of creation—and ultimately life and death—is subject. This composition was designed by the prominent Antwerp painter and draughtsman Maerten de Vos (1532–1603), signed “M. de Vos inuen, and engraved by Hieronymus Wierix (1553–1619), signed Hieron: Wierix / fecit”, one of the most accomplished members of the celebrated Wierix family of engravers. This is a first state off three with the address of Hans Liefrinck. published in Antwerp, signed “H. Liefrinck / excudit” Dimensions: 24,80 x 18,20 cm Condition: Excellent impression on watermarked laid paper from the period, trimmed on the plate border. Moderate time staining, with traces of old hinges on the verso. Overall in excellent condition. Literature: Mauquoy-Hendrickx 493 (I/III)-----New Hollstein (Maarten de Vos) 696.-----New Hollstein (Wierix) 572 Medium: Engraving Date: c.1588