Vier evangelisten schrijven hun evangelie

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso linksonder, gestempeld: Lugt 240

Art Historical Context

**The Four Evangelists Writing Their** (*Vier evangelisten schrijven hun evangelie*), created by Dutch artist Hendrik Numan between 1746 and 1788, captures a revered Christian theme: Saints Matthew, Mark, Luke and John diligently composing the New Testament Gospels. Numan, a prominent 18th-century history painter and draftsman (1738–1822), drew inspiration from narratives, blending classical composition with the detailed realism of the Dutch Golden Age's lingering influence. This small-scale work on paper (84 × 103 mm) likely served as a preparatory study or collector's piece, highlighting the...

About the Artist

Hendrik Numan · 1723–1793

Hendrik Numan (1736–1788) was an 18th-century Dutch woodcut artist considered one of the best woodcutters of his generation, known for creating catchpenny prints that entertained and educated the poorer parts of Dutch society. Born in Amsterdam in October 1736, Numan specialized in the often-overlooked medium of woodcut at a time when copper engraving dominated fine printmaking. His father, Lauren...