Godfried Arnold - Waare afbeelding der eerste Christenen - 1700

Gottfried Arnold – True Representation of the Early Christians – 1700 – 50 Engravings by Jan Luyken – Complete First Volume

An important and richly illustrated early Dutch edition, featuring 25 double-illustrated copper-engraved plates with 50 individual scenes by the celebrated Dutch artist Jan Luyken (1649–1712).

Amsterdam, 1700.

A remarkable illustrated work by the German theologian and church historian Gottfried Arnold (1666–1714), documenting the beliefs, religious practices, customs and everyday lives of the earliest Christian communities.

The work is particularly desirable for its impressive series of copper engravings by Jan Luyken, one of the most celebrated Dutch engravers and book illustrators of the seventeenth century.

Illustrations

This volume contains:

- 25 numbered copper-engraved plates, each depicting two separate scenes.
- 50 individual engraved illustrations by Jan Luyken.
- An additional allegorical engraved frontispiece by Joseph Mulder, after Albert van Spiers.
- 51 engraved illustrations in total, including the frontispiece.

The engravings depict scenes from early Christian history, religious ceremonies, baptismal practices, Christian communities, hermits and prominent figures of the early Church.

Luyken's characteristic attention to detail, expressive figures and elaborate architectural settings make these engravings particularly attractive.

All 25 numbered plates (1–25) are present, forming the complete illustration sequence belonging to this first volume.

Bibliographical details

- Author: Gottfried Arnold (1666–1714)
- Title: Waare Afbeelding der Eerste Christenen
- Place: Amsterdam
- Year: 1700
- Language: Dutch
- Volume: First volume, comprising four books
- Pagination: 707 numbered pages, followed by 13 unnumbered pages
- Illustrations: 25 copper-engraved plates with 50 individual scenes, plus an engraved frontispiece
- Binding: Contemporary-style half-leather binding with raised bands and marbled boards

Condition

A well-preserved and textually complete first volume, retaining its entire numbered series of copper engravings and the engraved frontispiece.

The old half-leather binding shows age-related wear, particularly to the spine and extremities.

The engraved frontispiece has some damage and paper loss near the lower right corner.

The interior retains the attractive character of an early eighteenth-century illustrated book.

Please examine the photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.

Historical and artistic significance

Gottfried Arnold was an influential German theologian and historian, particularly known for his studies of early Christianity and church history.

The illustrations by Jan Luyken provide a fascinating visual interpretation of the religious life, traditions and experiences of the first Christians.

A desirable and complete first volume of an important illustrated theological work, particularly appealing to collectors of Jan Luyken, Dutch copper engraving, early Christianity and antiquarian illustrated books.