The Baptism of Christ–17th Engraving–Wolfgang Kilian after Paolo Veronese

Description

The Baptism of Christ – 17th Century Engraving – Wolfgang Kilian after Paolo Veronese

Copper engraving titled The Baptism of Christ (Taufe Christi). This early 17th-century print was engraved by Wolfgang Kilian (1581–1662) after a composition by Renaissance Venetian master Paolo Veronese (Paolo Caliari, 1528–1588), and published in Augsburg by Dominicus Custos (1560–1612). The plate bears the standard Latin credits: “Paul Calleari pinxit” (Paolo Caliari painted), “Wolff. Kilian scalpsit” (Kilian engraved), and “Domi. Custos excudit” (Custos published), with the date 1610. The scene depicts Christ standing in the River Jordan as John the Baptist pours water over his head, with the Holy Spirit descending above.

This impression is in poor to fair condition and has been trimmed inside the plate mark. The impression was glued on a backing board. Defects include creases, edge wear/losses, small tears, surface toning/spotting, and general age-related discoloration. A blue circular monogram collector’s stamp (unidentified; reads like JHP/JPH/JAL) is present on the verso. Despite condition issues, the engraving remains visually strong with clear line work.

Print Details

• Image/Sheet Size: 16 × 10.5 in
• Year: 1610
• Technique: Copper engraving
• Paper: Laid paper with a “R” watermark in a circle (Briquet no. 8975, late 16th-early 17th C.)
• Condition: Poor/Fair – trimmed inside plate mark; glued on a backing board; creases; tears; edge losses; toning/spotting; general wear; verso blue collector stamp; unframed

Catalogue References

• Hollstein (German), Wolfgang Kilian: no. 4 (Baptism of Christ / Taufe Christi)
• New Hollstein (German Engravings), Wolfgang Kilian (vol. XVIII)

Provenance

• Private collection – Fort Myers, FL
• Rachel Davis Fine Arts

Inscriptions

Poetic caption (lower margin):
• “BAPTISTA, DEE CHRISTE, manus te tingit, aueret / Quando tua potius tingier ipse manu”

“Baptist—O Christ—he dares to baptize you with his hand, though he himself would rather be baptized by your hand.”

• “Complacuisse tibi in caro, PATER optime, gnate, / Audiri hunc magna voce iubendo mones” (some letters worn)

“Beloved Son, you have pleased the Father; with a loud voice He commands that this one be listened to.”

• “In specie appares SPIRITVS ALME Columba; / Praesto est ANGELICVS turba ministra chorus.”

“In the form of a dove you appear, gentle Spirit; a host of angels stands ready as an attending choir.”

• “Et Tentator adhuc audet se opponere Christo, / Res bene se Christo est, qua duce victus.”

“And the Tempter still dares to oppose Christ; but all goes well for Christ—by whose leadership he is defeated.”

Dedication (abbreviated Latin, lower margin):
• “REVERENDISS. ET ILLVSTRISS. PRINCIPI AC DNO DNO HENRICO ABBATI FVLDENSI ROM. IMPE…S. ARCHICANCELLARIO, PER GERMANIAM ET GALLIAM PRIMATI PRINCIPI AC DNO SVO CLEMENTISSIMO, HVMIL. DDD. Dom…ustos Chalcographus Aug. Vindel. CIƆIƆCX”

“to the Most Reverend and Most Illustrious Prince and Lord, Lord Heinrich, Abbot of Fulda, [of the Holy Roman Empire …], Archchancellor; Primate for Germany and Gaul; to his most gracious lord—humbly dedicated. Augsburg. 1610”

Credits (artist / engraver / publisher):
• “Paul. Calleari pinxit” — “Paolo Caliari (Veronese) painted.”
• “Wolff. Kilian scalpsit” — “Wolfgang Kilian engraved.”
• “Domi. Custos excudit” — “Dominicus Custos published.”

Privilege (tiny line, if present on your impression):
• “Cum privilegio S. C. M.” — “With the privilege of His Sacred Caesarean Majesty.”