The high priest of the Temple inspects the circumcised Christ child, whose head is glowing. Etching by M. Küssell after J.W. Baur.

Bible. N.T. Luke 2.25-32. A small cage sits next to the prostrate infant Christ; it contains two turtledoves as an offering by Mary and Joseph at the presentation of Jesus after Mary's purification. On both sides of the picture there are children playing and grasping onto their parents' garments. On the left-hand side a dog washes itself. Before the altar stands a boy with a censer; beside him sits another dog, looking up at the altar. The two candles being carried in the previous print are now stationed upon the altar

The circumcision scene has a wide reaching symbolic resonance: it shows the first shedding of the blood of Christ, hence the beginning of the Passion; it is the moment Christ is named; furthermore it displays the Judaism through which Christianity must pass

Augustae Vind. [Augsburg] : [publisher not identified]

1 print : etching ; platemark 16.4 x 20.7 cm

J.W. Baur inv. Cum privilegio S.C.M. Melchior Küsell sc. Augustae Vind. Bears number: 86

Wellcome Collection 22005i