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Institution of the Sacrament

Institution of the Sacrament

(German, about 1470–1536)
early 16th–mid-16th century
Medium/TechniqueEtching
DimensionsSheet: 21.7 x 15.8 cm (8 9/16 x 6 1/4 in.)
Credit LineGift of Robert Bradford and Barbara Ketcham Wheaton
Accession number2008.10
On View
Not on view
ClassificationsPrints
Description
Working on iron plates, Daniel Hopfer was the first professional etcher. His "Institution of the Sacrament" is a rare example printed in Hopfer's own time. The animated figure group set in classicizing architecture surmounted by a German text speaks volumes about the complex cultural make-up of Germany in the age of the Reformation.
InscriptionsVerso lower right in graphite pencil: 14308
ProvenanceYorck von Wartenburg (Klein Oels, Silesia, Lugt 2669); Albert Blum (1882-1952, Switzerland and Short Hills, NJ, Lugt 79b); his heirs; sold New York, Sotheby's, February 27, 1988, lot 1147; to Robert and Barbara Wheaton (Concord, MA); 2007, gift of Robert and Barbara Wheaton to MFA, (Accession Date: December 12, 2007)