The Passion of Christ – Twelve Dramatic Scenes, Pieter Mortier Engravings, c.1700
Description: This powerful sequence of six large copper engravings (each plate containing two scenes) depicts the Passion of Christ in twelve consecutive episodes. Published in Amsterdam around 1700 by Pieter Mortier, the series presents the final moments of Christ’s life with theatrical intensity, monumental architecture, and emotionally charged figural compositions. Together, the scenes form a complete visual narrative from the Resurrection to the Crucifixion and Burial.
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 The Resurrection of Christ Christ rises triumphantly from the tomb, bathed in divine light, while soldiers recoil in fear and confusion. The contrast between heavenly radiance and earthly darkness underscores the victory over death.
Plate I – Lower scene The Angel at the Empty Tomb The angel announces the Resurrection to the women at the tomb. Calm gestures and luminous presence replace the terror of the guards above, emphasizing revelation and hope.
Plate II – Upper scene The Crucifixion Christ hangs on the Cross between the two thieves as soldiers, mourners, and onlookers gather below. The dense crowd and darkened sky convey suffering, sacrifice, and cosmic drama.
Plate II – Lower scene The Veil of the Temple Torn Inside the Temple, chaos erupts as the sacred veil is torn apart. Figures flee in fear while the architecture fractures the space, symbolizing the breaking of the old covenant.
Plate III – Upper scene The Descent from the Cross Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus carefully lower Christ’s body from the Cross. The strained physical effort and grief-stricken figures emphasize human sorrow and devotion.
Plate III – Lower scene The Lamentation Christ’s body is mourned by Mary and the disciples. The composition tightens into an intimate circle of grief, focusing on touch, gesture, and emotional restraint.
Plate IV – Upper scene Christ Presented to the People Pilate presents Christ to the crowd. Elevated architecture and agitated figures stress public judgment, political power, and the volatility of the mob.
Plate IV – Lower scene Pilate Washes His Hands Pilate symbolically absolves himself as Christ stands silent. The contrast between authority and innocence underscores moral responsibility and evasion.
Plate V – Upper scene The Flagellation of Christ Christ is bound and scourged by soldiers within a monumental interior. The muscular executioners and restrained posture of Christ heighten the physical brutality of the scene.
Plate V – Lower scene The Mocking of Christ Crowned with thorns, Christ is ridiculed by soldiers. The tight grouping and mocking gestures intensify humiliation and cruelty.
Plate VI – Upper scene Christ Carrying the Cross Christ struggles under the weight of the Cross as soldiers drive him forward. Grieving women collapse at the roadside while the procession advances toward Golgotha.
Plate VI – Lower scene Christ Nailed to the Cross Executioners force Christ onto the Cross in a scene of raw physical violence. The dramatic diagonals and strained bodies convey the final act of sacrifice.
Together, these twelve scenes form a complete and emotionally charged Passion cycle, designed for contemplation, instruction, and visual impact. The series stands as a strong example of late 17th-century Dutch religious printmaking, combining narrative clarity with Baroque drama.
Technique: Copper engraving Maker: Pieter Mortier, Amsterdam, circa 1700
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