Artist: Jan Luyken (Dutch, 1649 – 1712)
Title: Moses turns the Nile into Blood: The First Plague of Egypt
Medium: Antique engraving on laid paper.
Publisher: Frans Houtteyn
Reference: Hollstein / Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts c.1450-1700 ; Luyken 1905 / Het Werk van Jan en Caspar Luyken.
Dimensions: Sight size: 12 7/8 x 17 3/8 inches.
Framed Dimensions: Approximately 22 x 26 inches.
Framing: This piece has been professionally matted and framed using all new materials.
The First Plague of Egypt, described in the Book of Exodus, is when Moses and Aaron turn the Nile River and all its waters into blood, killing the fish and making the water undrinkable, a sign of God’s power against Egyptian deities like Hapi and Osiris. While Pharaoh’s magicians could mimic the act, they couldn’t reverse it, hardening Pharaoh’s heart despite the severe thirst and disgust the plague caused Egyptians, who had to dig for water.
Jan Luyken (1649–1712) is a well listed artist. He was a prolific Dutch poet, illustrator, and engraver, famous for his detailed, spiritually-focused prints illustrating trades, religious persecution, and mystical themes. after a youthful period of erotic poetry led to a profound conversion to Pietistic Anabaptist Christianity, he became a major figure in Dutch art and literature known for detailed realism.