The circumcision of Christ in the Temple. Etching by Father K. Felner, 1779, after C. Dietrich.

Bible. N.T. Luke 2.21-39. This rendering of the circumcision displays the Judaism of the scene more openly than most other versions of the subject. The tables of the Law rest on a platform on the left-hand side; a group of Jews interpret a scroll nearby. A long-haired child holds the dish under the Christ child; the mohel is dressed simply. The high priest, recognisable by his head-wear, is discernible through the smoke, standing with a staff under a canopy. Joseph and Mary kneel and pray on the right

The circumcision scene has a wide reaching symbolic resonance: it shows the first shedding of the blood of Christ, hence the beginning of the Passion; it is the moment Christ is named; furthermore it displays the Judaism through which Christianity must pass

1779

1 print : etching ; image 30.4 x 43.3 cm

Circumcisio D.N.J.CH. Reverendissimo perillustri ac ampl.smo dno. Amando Schickmeyr, abbati Monrii Lambacensis vigilant.smo S. Ca. Majs. Confis.so &c. Ch. Dietrich pinxit. P. Kolomanus Felner ord. S.P.B. sculpsit Viennae 1779. Exstat originale in Galeria Caes. Belvedere. Obedientissimus filius O. Kolomanus Felner

Wellcome Collection 22032i