Artwork
The Resurrection
The Resurrection is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Schelte Adams Bolswert. It dates from 1622 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1622, The Resurrection is an engraving by Schelte Adamsz. Bolswert, a Frisian artist who worked in Antwerp. Known for his work in Peter Paul Rubens’ workshop, Bolswert specialized in reproducing the compositions of leading painters of his time.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a bearded figure emerging from a tomb, clutching a staff, while soldiers around him lie either startled awake or asleep. A diminutive angel hovers above, bearing a banner, and a luminous aura surrounds the central figure, emphasizing the moment of rising.
Technique & Style
Bolswert employs intricate line work to model deep shadows and textures, particularly in the drapery and flesh. The fine hatching creates a dramatic contrast between the dark surroundings and the illuminated central figure, a hallmark of early‑17th‑century reproductive engraving.
History & Provenance
Active in the early 1600s, Bolswert produced this work as part of his role creating prints after major artists, notably Rubens and van Dyck. The engraving circulated as a visual copy of a larger composition, extending the reach of the original painting beyond its physical location.
Context
During the Baroque period, reproductive engravings were essential for disseminating artistic ideas across Europe. Bolswert’s output reflects the demand for affordable, portable images of celebrated works, allowing patrons and collectors to engage with the visual culture of Rubens’ studio.
Legacy
Bolswert’s engravings, including The Resurrection, exemplify the technical skill required to translate complex painted scenes into monochrome prints. His work contributed to the broader appreciation of Rubens’ oeuvre and set standards for line‑based narrative illustration in the 17th century.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Schelte a Bolswert or Schelte Adamsz. Bolswert (c. 1586 – 1659) was a Frisian engraver who worked most of his career in Antwerp where he was one of the lead engravers in Rubens' workshop. He is known for his…
