Artwork

Six large upright landscapes with scenes from the Old Testament: Zipporah circumcising Her Son

Six large upright landscapes with scenes from the Old Testament: Zipporah circumcising Her Son is a print by the Baroque artist Anthonie Waterloo. It dates from 1665 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Accession no.: 1921.962
Credit line: Gift of Ralph King

About this work

Overview

Created in 1665 by Dutch artist Anthonie Waterloo, this upright print portrays a biblical episode set within a broad, rocky landscape that stretches toward a hilly horizon. The work is part of a six‑panel series illustrating Old Testament scenes and is currently in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, Zipporah, is shown holding a knife to the groin of an infant, an allusion to the Genesis narrative in which she performs a circumcision to avert divine wrath. Two onlookers, a man and a woman, observe the act, underscoring the tension between ritual duty and familial concern.

Technique & Style

Waterloo employs the dramatic chiaroscuro typical of the Baroque, using strong contrasts of light and shadow to model the figures and give the rocky terrain a palpable depth. The figures wear simple, flowing robes that catch the light, enhancing the emotional intensity of the scene.

History & Provenance

The print belongs to a larger series of biblical landscapes for which Waterloo was known, reflecting his interest in combining narrative with natural settings. After remaining in private hands for centuries, the piece entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s collection, where it is displayed among other 17th‑century Dutch works.