Jan Van Der Straet (1523-1605), after - Pentecost

Fascinating and rare 16th-century burin engraving depicting the Descent of the Holy Spirit, entitled "La Pentecoste". The work was masterfully conceived by the celebrated Flemish artist Johannes Stradanus (Jan van der Straet, 1523–1605) and engraved/published in Antwerp around 1582 by Philip Galle (1537–1612). The print constitutes plate number 3 of the famous and sought-after series "Acta Apostolorum" (Acts of the Apostles), born with the aim of illustrating the key moments of the early diffusion of Christianity.
Soggetto:
At the center of the composition, in a monumental interior with a geometrically tiled floor, the Virgin Mary is depicted kneeling and gathered in prayer, surrounded by the Apostles caught in attitudes of deep devotion, astonishment, and mystical rapture. From above, the dove of the Holy Spirit radiates beams of divine light and tongues of fire that alight on the heads of those present. In the foreground, two large open books symbolize the Scriptures and the fulfillment of prophecy, while in the background other figures can be seen witnessing the sacred event.
Iscrizioni e Firme:
In basso a sinistra: Signed on the plate "Ioan. Stradanus invent." and "Phls. Galle excudebat", confirming the authorship of the drawing and the editorial publication.
Al centro: The biblical reference "Acto. 2 . 1." (Acts of the Apostles, chapter 2).
In basso a destra: The plate number "3".
Nel margine inferiore: Elegant verses in Latin divided into two columns that poetically describe the miracle: "Spiritus aetherea descendens Sanctus ab aula / Irradiat fulgore locum, verboq. sacrato // Imbuit ora calor, capiunt nova vasa liquorem / Ethereum, crescitq. gregis pia forma nouelli."
Stato di conservazione:
The sheet is in excellent condition. The burin technique yields a crisp, clean impression rich in chiaroscuro contrast, particularly evident in the complex draperies of the garments and the dense hatchings that define the shadow areas. The support is a solid laid paper of the period, contemporary with the late sixteenth century. The sheet retains ample original margins beyond the frame line, keeping intact and perfectly legible all inscriptions, signatures, and the Latin texts.