Christus onderwijst schriftgeleerden in tempel

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 12

Art Historical Context

**Christus onderwijstgeleerden in tempel (Christ Teaching the Doctors in the Temple), an engraving by the masterful Italian printmaker Marcantonio Raimondi, dates to around 1510–1515. This work captures a pivotal biblical moment from the Gospel of Luke (2:41–52), depicting the young Jesus astonishing scholars with his wisdom in the Jerusalem Temple. Measuring 292 × 210 mm, the print exemplifies the High Renaissance's fusion of religious narrative and classical humanism, a period when artists like Raimondi elevated engraving from mere reproduction to a fine art form rivaling painting. Raimondi, active in early 16th-century Rome, was renowned for his precise burin technique—incising intricate lines into copper plates to create rich tonal depth and lifelike figures. Often collaborating with painters like Raphael, he democratized elite art through affordable prints, spreading Renaissance ideals across Europe. The presence of the Lugt 12 collector's mark underscores its esteemed provenance, linking it to distinguished 18th- or 19th-century connoisseurs who prized such works. This engraving not only reflects the era's devotion to sacred stories but also highlights engraving's cultural role: making profound iconography accessible to pilgrims, scholars, and the faithful. A testament to Raimondi's skill, it invites viewers to ponder the divine spark in youthful curiosity.

About the Artist

Marcantonio Raimondi · 1475–1534

Marcantonio Raimondi (c. 1480–1534), born near Bologna, Italy, emerged as one of the Renaissance's premier engravers, revolutionizing printmaking through his mastery of reproductive techniques. He trained in the workshop of the goldsmith, painter, and niellist Francesco Francia, whose influence is evident in his early engravings, such as the goldsmith-like shading in *Pyramus and Thisbe* (1505), h...