Artwork
Tyrants of the Old Testament: Antiochus
Tyrants of the Old Testament: Antiochus is a print by Georg Pencz. It dates from 1535 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Georg Pencz's engraving *Tyrants of the Old Testament: Antiochus* (c. 1535) is one of a series portraying biblical oppressors, created during the Northern Renaissance. The work reflects Pencz's blend of Italian influences, gained from his travels, and traditional German printmaking techniques.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts Antiochus, a figure from the Old Testament, as a powerful, intimidating ruler. He is shown bearded, crowned with a three-pointed crown, and holding a sword and a scroll, conveying authority and menace.
Technique & Style
Pencz's technique in this engraving combines the precision of German printmaking with the stylistic flair of Venetian art, evident in the detailed, patterned robe and the expressive, stern facial expression of Antiochus.
History & Provenance
Created around 1535, the engraving's early history is not extensively documented, though it is known to be part of Pencz's *Tyrants* series. The artist's brief imprisonment in 1525 for religious dissent contextualizes the work within a period of religious and intellectual turmoil.
Context
Produced amidst the religious and artistic transformations of the Northern Renaissance, *Antiochus* reflects both the era's fascination with biblical themes and the blending of artistic traditions between Italy and Germany.
Artist & collection
Artist
Georg Pencz (c. 1500 – 11 October 1550) was a German engraver, painter and printmaker. Pencz was probably born in Westheim near Bad Windsheim/Franconia. He travelled to Nuremberg in 1523 and joined Albrecht Dürer’s…
