Esau verkoopt zijn geboorterecht en De geboorte van Esau en Jakob

About this artwork

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Art Historical Context

Cornelis Cort's engraving *Esau verkoopt zijnorterecht en De geboorte van en Jakob* (1563) masterfully combines two pivotal biblical scenes from Genesis into a single, dynamic composition. On one side, we see the miraculous birth of the twins Esau and Jacob, with Jacob grasping Esau's heel as foreshadowing his destined supremacy. Opposite, Esau trades his birthright for a bowl of lentil stew, a moment of impulsive folly that alters the course of Hebrew history. Measuring 268mm by 221mm, this intricate print captures the drama through fine lines and contrasting figures, inviting viewers to ponder themes of destiny, greed, and divine favor. As a leading Dutch engraver of the Northern Renaissance, Cort worked in Antwerp's vibrant printmaking hub, where techniques like burin work allowed for exceptional detail and tonal depth. Engraving was revolutionary in the 16th century, enabling affordable reproduction of complex narratives for a wide audience—from scholars to the faithful—spreading religious stories beyond elite paintings. This work exemplifies Cort's skill in reproductive printmaking, often after designs by masters like Frans Floris, blending Mannerist elegance with moral storytelling. A gem of Reformation-era art, it reflects how prints educated and inspired during turbulent times in the Low Countries.

About the Artist

Cornelis Cort · 1533–1578

Comment on works: copper engraver; engraver; etcher