Christ standing before an entrance to a city surrounded by apostles addressing a group of men at right
Original title: Christ standing before an entrance to a city surrounded by apostles addressing a group of men at right
kurzbeschreibung
Stefano Mulinari, active as a reproductive engraver in eighteenth-century Italy, here presents an etching with sulphur tone printed in brown, made around 1761–90. The image features Christ standing before an arched structure and surrounded by apostles; the scene can be read as a moment of preaching or teaching.
Description
A central figure, Christ, wears a long, flowing robe and raises his hand as if speaking to those around him. Several bearded men in traditional garments stand nearby, identifiable as apostles. A gate or archway closes off the space and opens a view to another figure or action. Christ occupies the middle, while his companions are distributed on either side.
Context
Mulinari worked mainly in the eighteenth century as an engraver of reproductions after older models. In the years around 1761–90, sulphur tone was a common means of giving etchings a painterly character. For this motif, the artist drew on iconographic patterns of Renaissance and Baroque art, which he knew through his models.
Impact
The brown printing tone and graduated shadows lend the sheet a warmth and painterliness. Because the figures are calmly and evenly spaced, Christ's central position stands out clearly, and the scene feels dignified.
Technique
Executed as an etching with sulphur tone, printed in brown, the sheet achieves soft tonal transitions and a draftsmanship-like impression. It is trimmed and measures 35.6 × 30 cm.
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Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)