Heroes of the Old Testament
Every so often, an acquisition arrives that feels like a direct link to a distant past, a bridge connecting our modern world to the artistry and ideas of centuries gone by. We are thrilled to announce one such arrival: a complete set of six breathtaking engravings from circa 1585, depicting the Twelve Judges of Israel. Published by the renowned Antwerp mapmaker and printer Gerard de Jode and masterfully engraved by Jan Collaert I, this series is a stunning example of Northern Renaissance printmaking at its finest.
Artistry from a Golden Age
To understand these prints, we must travel back to late 16th-century Antwerp. This bustling city was a European hub for commerce, ideas, and, most importantly for us, printmaking. In this competitive world, Gerard de Jode (c. 1509–1591) was a leading figure. While often overshadowed by his contemporary, Abraham Ortelius, de Jode was a brilliant cartographer and publisher who produced works of exceptional quality.
For this ambitious series on the biblical Judges, he commissioned Jan Collaert I (c. 1530–1581), the patriarch of a famous family of engravers. Collaert’s work is a masterclass in the Northern Mannerist style. His figures are powerful, muscular, and heroic, rendered with an incredible attention to detail. He blends the gravity of the Old Testament narrative with a classical, almost Greco-Roman, aesthetic, presenting these ancient leaders as timeless champions of faith and justice.
The Judges: Warriors, Patriarchs, and Prophets
Each of the six engravings presents two judges, bringing the complete roster of twelve to life. Collaert does more than just create portraits; he captures the very essence of each figure’s story, often including miniature scenes of their greatest deeds in the background.
- The Iconic Warriors: We see the most famous of the Judges in dynamic, martial poses. Samson (Samfon) stands as a figure of raw power, holding the jawbone he used to smite his enemies and the lion he famously killed. Gideon (Gedion), clad in Roman-style armour, holds the miraculous fleece that affirmed God’s will. In the background, his chosen few are seen drinking from the river, the very test that selected his army.
- The Unlikely Heroes: The collection also highlights those who rose to greatness from humble beginnings. Shamgar (Samgar) is depicted not with a sword, but with the simple ox-goad he used to defeat six hundred Philistines. Ehud (Aioth), the left-handed judge, is shown just outside the court of the Moabite king he famously dispatched, a pivotal moment of cunning and courage.
- The Wise Leaders: Not all Judges were warriors. Collaert portrays figures like Ibzan (Abessan) and Abdon as robed patriarchs, their authority stemming from wisdom and justice rather than military might. They represent periods of peace and stability, a different but equally important form of leadership.
- The Final Judge: The series fittingly concludes with Samuel, who served as the bridge between the era of Judges and the monarchy of Israel. Unlike the others, he is shown not as a warrior or chieftain, but as a prophet and scholar, his hands raised in prayer or teaching, signifying a new chapter in his people’s history.
A Message in Ink
Below each Judge, a Latin couplet summarises their story, acting as a caption for a 16th-century audience. These inscriptions, combined with the powerful imagery, reinforced biblical literacy and moral instruction in an age when religious art was a primary vehicle for storytelling.
This complete set is more than just a recent acquisition; it is a treasure. It’s a testament to the skill of master craftsmen like Collaert and de Jode, a window into the religious and cultural landscape of the late Renaissance, and a powerful visual retelling of some of the Old Testament’s most epic stories. We are honoured to be the new custodians of this remarkable piece of history.
