Maria et Elisabetha.

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

**Maria et Elisabetha** is striking engraving by the French artist Claude Duflos, between 1675 and 1727. This work captures the biblical scene of the Visitation where the Virgin Mary visits her cousin Elizabeth mother of John the Baptist, as described in the Gospel of Luke. Measuring 342 mm high by 224 mm wide, the print reflects the devotional art popular in late Baroque France, where religious imagery served both spiritual and aesthetic purposes in households and churches. Engraving, Duflos's chosen medium, exemplifies the precision of 17th- and early 18th-century printmaking. Artists like him used burins to incise fine lines into copper plates, creating intricate details and tonal effects through cross-hatching. This technique allowed for multiple impressions, making high-quality religious art accessible beyond original paintings and fostering a vibrant market for prints among collectors and the devout. On the verso, the piece bears a stamped collector's mark (Lugt 2228), linking it to the esteemed Print Room of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Such provenance underscores its historical value, highlighting how engravings like this bridged artistic innovation with cultural devotion across Europe. Visitors will appreciate its delicate lines and timeless narrative, a window into faith and craftsmanship.