About this Item
Census of Bethlehem & Nativity of Christ, Pieter Mortier, ca. 1700 Original antique engraving from Histoire du Vieux et du Nouveau Testament, published in Amsterdam by Pieter Mortier around 1700. This double plate depicts two foundational episodes from the Gospel of Luke, finely executed in the baroque style of Mortier's publishing house. The upper scene shows the Census at Bethlehem (Luke II, 1?5). Crowds gather outside the city gates to register in obedience to Caesar Augustus' decree. Officials record names at a raised platform under an awning, while families and travelers queue in long lines stretching into the distance. Joseph and Mary, visibly weary from their journey, move toward the front, symbolizing their obedience to the law and the fulfillment of prophecy that Christ would be born in Bethlehem. The detailed architectural backdrop, with classical arches and towers, lends grandeur to the scene. The lower scene represents the Nativity of Christ (Luke II, 6?7). Mary reclines beside the newborn child, wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger filled with straw. Joseph stands nearby as shepherds kneel in reverence, offering gifts. A divine beam of light illuminates the infant, while ox and donkey appear in the background, referencing the humble setting of the stable. Figures bearing torches in the distance suggest the wider spread of the news of Christ's birth. These engravings combine narrative clarity with devotional purpose, inviting viewers to contemplate the humility of Christ's birth alongside the grandeur of its divine significance. Mortier's Amsterdam editions were widely distributed across Europe and remain highly valued for their artistic and religious qualities. Condition report: Very good condition. Strong impression with wide margins. Minor toning and light foxing at edges, faint handling marks consistent with age. Images sharp and detailed. Framing tips: A cream or ivory double-aperture mat will clearly divide the two scenes while presenting them together as a single devotional composition. A walnut or dark wooden frame adds strength, while a gilt frame enhances the sacred themes, especially the divine light of the Nativity. Technique: Copperplate engraving Maker: Pieter Mortier, Amsterdam, ca. 1700.
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