Acts of the Apostles – The Trials, Deliverance, and Witness of the Early Church Pieter Mortier, Amsterdam, circa 1700
Description: This horizontal sequence brings together four large copper engravings, each with two scenes, illustrating decisive moments from the Acts of the Apostles. Published in Amsterdam around 1700 by Pieter Mortier, the series follows the public preaching, persecution, imprisonment, and divine deliverance of the apostles, especially Peter and Paul. The scenes are conceived as dramatic stage-like episodes, with monumental architecture, expressive gesture, and densely populated crowds emphasizing conflict between earthly authority and divine mission.
These authentic antique engravings—never reproductions—are offered unframed, inviting custom framing that enhances their character and allows them to harmonise beautifully with individual interiors and design palettes.
Plate I – Upper scene Paul and Silas Driven from the City Paul preaches boldly in a public square as opponents rise against him. Figures recoil, argue, and gesture forcefully, conveying the hostility faced by the apostles as their message disrupts civic and religious order.
Plate I – Lower scene Paul and Silas Freed from Prison Inside a dark prison, divine light breaks the chains of Paul and Silas. Guards and prisoners react in astonishment as faith triumphs over confinement and fear.
Plate II – Upper scene Paul Preaching to the People Paul addresses a large crowd beneath imposing classical architecture. Some listeners lean forward attentively, while others turn away, capturing the divided response to his teaching.
Plate II – Lower scene The Riot Against Paul A violent crowd surges through the city, overturning objects and seizing figures. The chaotic movement reflects the social unrest provoked by Paul’s challenge to established beliefs and economic interests.
Plate III – Upper scene Peter Begging Forgiveness Peter kneels humbly before an authority figure, extending his hands in supplication. The restrained gestures and formal setting emphasize repentance, mercy, and reconciliation.
Plate III – Lower scene Peter Freed by an Angel An angel appears in Peter’s prison cell, awakening him and guiding him to freedom. The guards collapse in fear as divine light floods the space, underscoring miraculous intervention.
Plate IV – Upper scene The Death of Herod King Herod is struck down as an angel descends from the heavens. The surrounding crowd reacts in panic and disbelief, illustrating divine judgment against arrogance and tyranny.
Plate IV – Lower scene Paul Before the Tribunal Paul stands calmly before judges and officials, defending himself with confidence and reason. The composed arrangement contrasts with the chaos above, highlighting steadfast faith and moral authority.
Together, these eight scenes form a coherent narrative of preaching, persecution, judgment, and deliverance, exemplifying the dramatic power and didactic clarity of late seventeenth-century Dutch religious printmaking.
Technique: Copper engraving Maker: Pieter Mortier, Amsterdam, circa 1700
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