Dutch school (XVI) - La Circoncision du Christ

Pieter van Der Borcht, after — Antoine van Leest, Engraver.
The Circumcision of Christ.
Antwerp, about 1577.

Original wood engraving 7.5 x 11 cm, printed in black, depicting the Infant Jesus subjected to the rite of circumcision in a Renaissance interior, surrounded by the Virgin, the officiants, and several assistants. The composition is framed within an ornamental border printed in red. Monograms “P. B. – A. V. L.” on the plate, bottom left.

Proof likely from a Book of Hours or a liturgical work issued from Plantin presses. The British Library identifies Van der Borcht as the principal illustrator of Plantin, while the catalogues of the Plantin Hours specifically note woodblocks drawn by “PB.”

An old sheet cut out and then formerly pasted onto a gray card; small superficial loss on the reverse, irregular margins, some light stains. Fine impression, still firm and well contrasted. The red decoration also appears to have been printed historically, but probably independent from the central woodblock.