Tobiolus Makes a Propitiatory Sacrifice, from The Story of Tobias

Art Historical Context

Georg Pencz's *Tobiolus Makes aitiatory Sacrifice, from Story of Tobias* (1543) captures a pivotal moment from the biblical Book of Tobit, where Tobiolus (Tobias or Tobit) offers a sacrifice to atone or seek divine favor. This intimate engraving, part of a Renaissance series illustrating the dramatic tale of healing, exile, and angelic intervention, reflects the era's fascination with moral and spiritual narratives drawn from scripture. Pencz, a Nuremberg artist and member of the "Little Mastersrenowned for their exquisite small-scale prints—infuses the scene with precise line work, evoking the influence of Albrecht Dürer while showcasing his own mastery of narrative compression. Rendered as a second state engraving (per Landau's catalog), this 2 3/4 × 4 3/16 in. (7 × 10.6 cm) plate exemplifies the technical virtuosity of 16th-century printmaking. Engravings like this allowed widespread dissemination of complex imagery, making high art accessible beyond paintings. Fine details—men in period attire, beds suggesting Tobit's affliction, and fruit symbolizing abundance or offering—draw viewers into a compact world of devotion and ritual. Donated to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 1959 by Harry G. Friedman, it highlights the enduring appeal of these prints as both devotional aids and collector's gems during the Reformation era.

About the Artist

Georg Pencz · 1490–1550

Comment on works: Religious; History; Portraits