Lot dronken gevoerd door zijn dochters

About this artwork

blad: hoogte 501 mm (binnen plaatrand afgesneden) x breedte 79 mm (binnen plaatrand afgesneden)

Art Historical Context

Behold the striking 1569 engraving *Lot dronken gevo door zijn dochters* (Lot Led Drunk by His Daughters) by French Mannerist artist Étienne Delaune. This biblical scene from Genesis captures the infamous moment when Lot's daughters ply their father with wine after the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, leading to their plan to preserve their lineage. Delaune, a masterful engraver and goldsmith in the Fontainebleau school, renders the composition with elegant, elongated figures typical of Mannerism—graceful yet dramatic, evoking tension and moral ambiguity. Measuring an impressive 501 mm in height by just 79 mm in width (trimmed within the plate borders), this tall, narrow format suggests it was designed as a frieze-like print, perhaps for decorative panels, books, or collector's albums. Engravings like this were revolutionary in the 16th century, enabling affordable reproduction and widespread dissemination of sophisticated art beyond elite patronage. Delaune's precise burin work showcases the era's technical virtuosity, with intricate linework conveying texture, shadow, and emotion in a compact space. As a window into Renaissance print culture, this piece highlights how artists blended sacred narratives with stylistic innovation, inviting viewers to ponder timeless themes of human frailty and divine providence.

About the Artist

Etienne Delaune · 1514–1583

Comment on works: Draftsman; Engraver; Medalist