Biblia sacra

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso midden onder, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

Abraham de Bruyn's *Biblia sacra* (1583) is a engraving measuring 169 mm high by 117 mm wide, exemplifying the Flemish artist's skill in producing intricate book illustrations during the late Northern Renaissance. As a prominent engraver active in Antwerp, de Bruyn contributed to the era's flourishing print culture, where small-scale engravings like this served as affordable vehicles for religious imagery from the Holy Bible. This piece likely captures a biblical scene or decorative element, reflecting the period's deep Catholic piety amid the Reformation's tensions. Engraving, de Bruyn's chosen medium, allowed for precise lines and tonal depth through incised metal plates, enabling mass production via printing presses—a revolutionary technique that democratized art and scripture for lay audiences. Such prints adorned personal devotionals and scholarly tomes, blending artistry with spiritual instruction. On the verso, a collector's mark stamped at the center bottom (Lugt 2228) underscores its enduring value, tracing provenance to esteemed 19th- or 20th-century connoisseurs. This artifact invites us to ponder how a modest engraving bridged sacred texts and everyday devotion across centuries.