The Meeting of Abraham and Melchizedek, from The Story of Abraham

Art Historical Context

This engraving captures a pivotal biblical encounter from Genesis 14, showing Abraham meeting Melchizedek after battle. Created between 1584 and 1585, the print forms part of *The Story of Abraham* series, a collaborative effort involving designer Maerten de Vos, publisher Gerard de Jode, and engraver Adriaen Collaert. The scene highlights Abraham, surrounded by soldiers and weapons, receiving bread and wine from the priest-king Melchizedek—a moment symbolizing alliance, blessing, and divine provision. As a first-state engraving, the work exemplifies the technical precision and expressive linework of late sixteenth-century Northern European printmaking. Such series played a vital cultural role by making sacred stories accessible beyond church walls, allowing broader audiences to reflect on themes of faith and leadership. The compact sheet size further suggests these prints were designed for personal devotion or study. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Drawings and Prints, this piece reflects the era’s blend of religious narrative and artistic innovation, inviting viewers to consider both the historical event and its enduring spiritual resonance.