The Compilers of the English Liturgy

Art Historical Context

This engraving, titled "The Compilers of the English Liturgy," was published in 1690 by an unknown artist. Created through the intaglio process of engraving, which allows for precise lines and intricate details on a copper plate, the small print measures just 17.9 by 10.5 centimeters. Such works were widely circulated in the late seventeenth century, making images of historical and religious subjects accessible beyond elite circles. The title points to figures associated with the development of the Church of England’s liturgy, most notably the Book of Common Prayer. Published during a period of renewed interest in England’s Protestant identity following the Glorious Revolution, the print likely served both commemorative and educational purposes, reminding viewers of the individuals who shaped the nation’s worship practices. Now part of the National Gallery of Art’s Rosenwald Collection, this work offers modern audiences a window into the intersection of religious history and printmaking traditions of the era.