Illustrated by Vos

Maarten de Vos (1532–1603).
Vita, Passio et Resurrectio Iesu Christi: variis iconibus à celeberrimo pictore Martino de Vos expressa.
[Antwerp]: Adrian Collaert, [ca. 1590–1600]. (BRB 0667)

This striking suite of engravings depicting the life of Christ, based on illustrations by the Flemish painter and draughtsman Maarten de Vos, was commissioned by the print publisher and engraver Adriaen Collaert (ca. 1560–1618). Although the original drawings were reproduced by five different engravers, the fifty plates still display a strong stylistic unity. Comprising scenes of Jesus’s life, Passion, and Resurrection, this first edition printed in dark, rich impressions is one of two complete copies in the United States. Following the publisher’s death in 1618, the plates were acquired by the Belgian engraver Jan Galle (1600–1676) who reissued the suite in 1620 and 1638.