Author: Spruyt, Philip (1727-1801) after Rubens, Peter Paul (1577-1640)
Title: Pro Christo Patiuntur [Martyrdom of St. John].
Description: St John the Evangelist in a cauldron of boiling oil and the decollation of St John the Baptist (Johannes de Doper); early state; after Peter Paul Rubens. After the painting by Rubens in Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, Madrid (Rooses 462). This is a copy by Rubens after the side panels of his triptych 'The Adoration of the Magi' in the Sint-Janskerk in Mechelen (Rooses 239-240). Signed and titled at bottom: 'P.P. Rubens Pinxit in Ecclesia Ste. Ioannes Mechelinia - P. Spruyt schulpsit / Pro Christo - Patiuntur'. Interestingly, this latter part with text is specially embossed, probably due to a too prolonged period that the plate was left in the acid bath. Etching on paper with some margin; plate mark: 256 x 217 mm, total: 273 x 233 mm; state II/2; Schneevoogt 1873 104.95. Dry needle (Droge Naald) technic.

Keywords: Bible|Religion|Theology