Method | Copper engraving |
Artist | Christoffel van Sichem I |
Published | [1608] |
Dimensions | Image 156 x 125 mm, Plate 158 x 127 mm, Sheet 251 x 183 mm |
Notes |
A depiction of the meeting between Faust and Mephisto, illustrating the German folklore legend of Doctor Faustus. Faust was a theologian who became interested in black magic. The celestial globe and book with inscription "Nigromantia" on the table behind him refer to his interests in astrology and necromancy. He is shown in conversation with Mephisto, a demon with who he strikes a deal: in exchange for a lifetime of knowledge and power, he promises to go to hell when he dies. In the background several instances are shown where Faust is at work, trying to reach his potential as a scholar with his new found power, while Mephisto ends up distracting him. Faust is wearing a finely embroidered cloak, a scholar's cap and a lace ruff, all marks of a wealthy fashionable man. Mephisto on the other hand is dressed as a cleric, and looks strikingly similar to depictions of Martin Luther. This resemblance would not have been out of place, since Martin Luther was seen by many, Roman Catholics and Protestants of different convictions alike, to be leading people astray and towards damnation. Luther was very adamant that the Bible should be read and studied by everyone, and that the text has more authority than any priest or church official. The negative view of Luther would have resonated with the confession of Mephisto at the end of Marlowe's play, where the demon confesses to have manipulated Faust into interpreting the Bible in the way he wanted and that this is how he was able to lead Faust away from God. Mephisto seems to be in the middle of a discussion with Faust, as they are both gesturing animatedly. Mephisto is holding a book, a bell and paternoster, and has another book in his pocket, all elements that bring up images of Martin Luther going out to preach in the streets and holding up the bible when debating with church officials in Leipzig and Worms. Martin Luther was a contemporary of the historical figure Faust is based on, and unlike humanist scholars of the day, many Lutherans believed in the man's evil magical powers. This print was later republished in Wilhelmus Goeree's "Het tooneel der Hooft-Ketteren" ("Theatre of the Main Heretics") in 1677. The Faust legend began as a precautionary tale used by Roman Catholics, against the growing popularity of Protestant and Reformist thinking in Germany. It lived on through the publication of the first Faustbuch in 1587, which was translated to several languages and spread across Europe. An English translation of the text from 1592 became the inspiration for Christopher Marlowe's 1604 play Doctor Faustus, which would have been popular when this print was produced. Later, Faust had a romantic revival and became cemented in the European imagination through the publication of Goethe's Faust in 1808 (and the second part in 1832). Unlike the simple Christian morality in the original versions of the Faust story, Goethe's presentation of the Doctor's destructive search for arcane knowledge is far more subtle, and ultimately holds hope for the salvation of a flawed and melancholic protagonist. The story was based on the historical figure of Johann Georg Faust (c. 1480-c. 1540), who was well travelled but not well liked. Rumours spread about his interest in "evil" things such as necromancy and sorcery, his study of the theological and diabolical, and often referring to the devil being his "Schwager" (which can be interpreted as brother-in-law or buddy, but was more likely meant as boyfriend, and relates to his reputation as a homosexual). Christoffel van Sichem I (c.1546-1624) was a Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and publisher who mainly lived and worked in Amsterdam. He was the father of Christoffel van Sichem II and grandfather of Christoffel van Sichem III, who both followed in his artistic footsteps. He was a prolific engraver, producing many portraits and small bible illustrations. Hollstein Dutch and Flemish, Sichem, XXVII, 51. Condition: Excellent impression. Slight overall time toning. |
Framing | unmounted |
Price | £450.00 |
Stock ID | 46021 |